Coronavirus in Ecuador

Source: https://www.comunicacion.gob.ec/
The National Government has followed all the corresponding protocols and has taken the necessary preventive measures in the face of the public health emergency of international interest, which is the coronavirus. However, just as it has already happened in 54 other countries, the measures have not prevented the virus from entering and today we must report that the first case in Ecuador has been confirmed. ” That was the announcement that the Minister of Public Health, Catalina Andramuño, made this Saturday, February 29 in Guayaquil.

“This is an imported case,” said the secretary of state, explaining that the patient is an Ecuadorian older adult who arrived from Spain on February 14. At the moment of his arrival he did not present any symptoms; however, days later, she felt fever and general discomfort, so her relatives took her to a health home. Given this table, on February 27, the tests were performed, testing positive for the new COVID-19.

The examinations were carried out by the National Institute of Public Health and Research (INSPI), which has the reagents and a laboratory certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for this type of study. At the moment, the patient is in intensive care. His condition is critical and his diagnosis reserved, so he receives medical treatment and timely health care.

Paúl Granda, president of the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS), confirmed that the public, private and social security systems are active in this case. In addition, he called on citizens to remain calm and comply with prevention regulations. “The State and the National Government are prepared, through all institutions, to give effective treatment to this disease,” he said.

The Vice Minister of Comprehensive Health Care, Julio López, pointed out that, currently, the protocols to prevent and limit the transmission of the disease are activated. Likewise, the census of the contacts that the patient had is underway and the corresponding monitoring is being developed.

Alfredo Bruno, an epidemiological expert, mentioned that Ecuador is part of the Global Surveillance Network for Influenza and other respiratory viruses of the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, it has the technical capacity and a plan to prepare for pandemic influenza. “We have experienced personnel, reagents, infrastructure, the flow and the appropriate laboratory to handle these types of cases of international impact,” he said.

The National Government calls on citizens to assume co-responsibility in this health situation, applying preventive measures to reduce the risks of contagion. In addition, it exhorts to inform themselves through official channels and not spread rumors.