The Ministry of Public Health announced on Apr. 16 a nationwide intervention as part of the National Plan against Dengue, following an order from President Daniel Noboa and a commitment made by Vice President María José Pinto in February. The action comes in response to a rise in dengue cases reported in coastal and Amazonian provinces.
The increase in cases has led health authorities to mobilize technical and human resources to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and control of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. These efforts aim to prevent further infections and avoid preventable deaths.
Although there has been a 69.2% reduction in mortality compared to the same period last year, officials say timely measures are needed to maintain this trend. By the end of Epidemiological Week 14, there were 7,959 dengue cases reported nationally—a general decrease of 46.55% from the previous year—though strict monitoring continues in provinces with higher incidence rates such as Santa Elena (56.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Orellana (112.5), Sucumbíos (59.1), and Esmeraldas (52.2).
Intervention brigades composed of vector control personnel conduct fumigation, larvicide application, case follow-up, community education, and awareness campaigns about dengue prevention across vulnerable areas including Napo, Orellana, Los Ríos, Guayas, Manabí, Santo Domingo, and Santa Elena.
From January through April this year, vector control strategies included inspections across 3,175 localities covering over 351 thousand city blocks nationwide; more than 805 thousand containers were destroyed while another sixty-five thousand received treatment for mosquito breeding sites.
In addition to these actions at homes—including both physical removal and chemical treatment—the Ministry highlights ongoing genetic studies by the National Institute for Public Health Research showing predominance of DENV-2-1 Cosmopolitan lineage (74%) along with significant presence of DENV-3 strains.
The Ministry urges citizens to cooperate with health brigades by cleaning water containers regularly; removing unused objects that collect rainwater; using repellents or bed nets; seeking medical care if experiencing symptoms like fever or muscle pain; and avoiding self-medication.
Officials say these tactics will continue until there is sustained reduction of dengue throughout Ecuador.
