Recently, the number of patients with respiratory diseases has surged in both public and private health centers. Laboratory visits have also increased as people seek to rule out COVID-19.
Jorge, an office worker from Guayaquil, was advised by his workplace to take advantage of the virtual workday after spending the weekend bedridden with nasal congestion and a high fever. On Monday, July 29, still feeling unwell, he visited the company’s dispensary and was prescribed virtual work.
“I have days when I can’t breathe well. I came to be treated because I can’t stand it,” said Jorge, reflecting the impact of respiratory infections on students and office workers in Guayaquil.
Afterward, the 43-year-old went to a private laboratory for a COVID-19 test, suspecting his symptoms were too severe to be just the flu. The test confirmed his suspicion: he was positive for coronavirus.
According to the Ministry of Public Health (MSP), the confirmation of infections has fluctuated throughout 2024. For instance, 1,003 cases were reported in the first week, while 111 cases were confirmed in the most recent week (June 30 to July 6).
Ecuador has included COVID-19 immunization in its regular schedule with new updated vaccines from Moderna. The annual vaccination campaign began in May, with the government acquiring 500,000 doses at a cost of $8 million.
Despite the availability of vaccines in MSP health centers, there is some reluctance among citizens to get vaccinated.
Doctors and health personnel urge citizens to get vaccinated, especially since MSP figures show 28 confirmed COVID-19 deaths up to epidemiological week 24 (June 9-15).
Doctors recommend against self-medicating and advise visiting health centers when experiencing flu-like symptoms to avoid future complications.
’28 deaths confirmed by COVID-19 in Ecuador this year 2024′, CE Noticias Financieras: English (online), 30 Jul 2024 ‹https://infoweb-newsbank-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/apps/news/document-view?p=AWGLNB&docref=news/19AA6BBB0F0E9570›