Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 08, 2024 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 11 hours, 57 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: Ecuador is grappling with a significant surge in respiratory infections, including COVID-19, with hospitals across the country seeing a substantial increase in the number of patients. This rise is particularly evident in Guayaquil, where the Bicentennial Hospital has reported a near doubling of respiratory disease cases in recent weeks.
Ecuador faces rising wave of respiratory infections including COVID-19
Surge in Respiratory Diseases in Guayaquil
Guayaquil, one of Ecuador's major cities, is experiencing an annual uptick in respiratory infections typically seen in the colder months of July and August. The most common ailments being reported include colds, rhinopharyngitis, influenza, and COVID-19. Statistics from the Bicentennial Hospital, managed by the local municipality, highlight this surge. In June 2024, the hospital treated 211 patients for respiratory issues, a number that rose to 416 in July.
"Currently, we are seeing a significant rebound of respiratory viruses, including influenza A and B, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza types 1-4, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)," said Dr Andrés Días Armas, an infectious disease specialist from the city's Health and Hygiene Directorate. He noted that these peaks typically occur twice a year, with the first wave between January and February and the second in the latter half of the year.
Local
COVID-19 News reports and data from the country’s health ministry are indicating that hospitalizations across the whole country are increasing and that outpatient visits at hospitals and clinics due to respiratory symptoms are also rising.
https://www.salud.gob.ec/coronavirus-covid19-ecuador/
Other Provincial COVID-19 Statistics in Ecuador
The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) reports a concentration of COVID-19 cases in the provinces of Pichincha and Guayas, which together account for 50% of the country’s confirmed cases. From January to July 2024, Pichincha reported 3,589 positive cases, while Guayas reported 1,692. Other provinces with significant numbers include Manabí (989 cases), Azuay (667 cases), and Imbabura (516 cases). The provinces with the fewest cases are Galapagos (72 cases), Zamora Chinchipe (77 cases), Pastaza (72 cases), and Orellana (24 cases).
The MSP has also reported 30 deaths related to COVID-19 in the same period.
Recommendations for Public Health
Identifying and Treating Infections
The symptoms of these respiratory infections can be challenging to differentiate without proper testing. "Patients often experience severe fevers, and it's difficult to identify the exact pathogen without specific tests," remarked Lorena Guevara, a patient at the Bicentennial Hospital.
Doctors emphasiz
e the importance of diagnostic tests to distinguish between different viruses, particularly with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants like 'FLIRT.' However, swab tests, which are essential for accurate diagnosis, are not commonly requested by patients.
FLIRT Variant Symptoms and Precautions
The FLIRT variant of COVID-19 presents similar symptoms to other respiratory infections, making it crucial to follow recommended health guidelines to prevent its spread. Key preventative measures include:
-Frequent hand washing with soap and water
-Ensuring natural ventilation in homes
-Wearing masks in enclosed spaces and replacing them every four hours
-Avoiding touching the mask unnecessarily
-Specialists also advise those with severe symptoms to stay home, consider teleworking, or wear masks to cut the transmission chain.
Conclusion
As Ecuador faces this new wave of respiratory infections, including a resurgence of COVID-19, it is crucial for the public to adhere to health guidelines and seek medical advice when necessary. The increase in cases serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by respiratory viruses and the importance of vigilance and preventive measures.
For the latest updates and detailed health guidance, and the latest
COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/they-are-back-europe-sees-covid-19-positivity-rates-soar-above-20-percent-us-faces-million-infections-daily
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/u-s-medical-news-surge-in-respiratory-illnesses-including-covid-19-and-measles-alarms-louisiana-as-school-year-begins
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