The Ministry of Public Health announced on Apr. 25 that it has activated an immediate plan for epidemiological surveillance and health response following the detection of a yellow fever case in Orellana province, after nine months without reports in the country.
The ministry said it deployed a specialized technical team to carry out several actions in the affected areas. These include field epidemiological investigations in Orellana and Sucumbíos, active searches for suspected cases in communities and nearby zones, verification and strengthening of vaccination coverage, intensified vector control activities to reduce mosquito populations, and intersectoral coordination under the World Health Organization’s ‘One Health’ approach.
According to the ministry, the confirmed case involves an 11-year-old from Joya de los Sachas canton who began experiencing symptoms at home. After three days, he traveled to Sucumbíos seeking medical attention. He was first treated at Puerto Madero Health Center where his family requested voluntary discharge. He later went to a private clinic and was referred in serious condition to Marco Vinicio Iza Hospital in Lago Agrio due to worsening health. Despite receiving specialized care, he died. The patient’s vaccination status is under investigation.
The Ministry of Public Health said that yellow fever is preventable with a safe and highly effective vaccine requiring only one dose. It recommends that people living or traveling to risk areas such as the Amazon region or subtropical zones visit health centers for immunization.
People are also advised not to self-medicate if they experience symptoms like fever, muscle pain, headache, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), or bleeding but instead seek immediate medical attention at their nearest facility.
The ministry stated it will continue providing updates through its official channels and reaffirmed its commitment “with timely protection of public health.”
