Ecuador: Officials confirm yellow fever case in Zamora Chinchipe
Following the confirmation of the first case of yellow fever in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, the Ministry of Public Health (MSP), in coordination with the National Institute of Public Health Research (INSPI) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), implemented actions to assess the risks and take the necessary measures to protect the population.
Teams from the Yacuambi-Zamora Health District (San Carlos Parish) conducted a comprehensive sweep, monitoring 916 homes in Zamora and Yacuambi, as well as inspecting camps and rural areas. This work identified breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the vector of the disease, and was complemented by intensive health education campaigns, vaccination campaigns, and the active participation of community leaders.
A total of 44 brigades are actively intervening in priority areas, reinforcing preventive and control measures in the 11 health units in the Zamora canton. As part of the strategy, fumigations will be carried out both inside and outside homes. At the same time, health personnel are intensifying the dissemination of early detection symptoms of yellow fever and preventive measures among the community.
A key strategy is vaccination, prioritizing the highest-risk groups: people between 12 months and 59 years of age, people on the move, miners, farmers, poultry workers, and those planning to travel to endemic areas. 439 people were vaccinated, and travelers are urged to do so at least 10 days before their trip.
For early detection and effective response to potential outbreaks, various entomological traps will be installed with the support of INSPI, enabling rapid identification and mitigation of the disease. In addition, comprehensive health care teams are conducting larval and pupal screening to control mosquito breeding sites.
The Ministry of Public Health emphasizes that the symptoms of yellow fever primarily include fever and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes); as well as muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. If the first two symptoms occur, do not self-medicate and go immediately to the nearest health center.
Yellow fever can be prevented through vaccination, consistent use of mosquito repellent, and clothing that covers most of the body. Eliminate any containers that can collect water and become dangerous mosquito breeding grounds.