Ecuador Faces Surge in Respiratory Illnesses After the New Year Holiday
Ecuador is experiencing a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses as families return from New Year’s celebrations, with reports of influenza, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) spreading quickly across the country. Medical professionals are urging the public to seek care and get vaccinated as the epidemic grows.
Rising Illnesses: The Impact of the New Year Holiday
Carmen Jiménez and her family, including her husband and two children, kicked off 2025 with symptoms of the flu—coughing, sneezing, fever, and body aches. The family suspects they caught the flu during social gatherings to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
“Our symptoms started on January 3, 2025, right after attending a series of events,” says Carmen. “For two nights, I couldn’t stop coughing, and my body ached so much I couldn’t sleep.” Carmen’s husband, Eduardo Ortiz, and their son Matías also developed a fever of 39°C (102.2°F) alongside their symptoms.
At the Valle de Los Chillos clinic, located in southeastern Quito, they found many families with similar symptoms. Most of the patients were diagnosed with influenza, while others tested positive for COVID-19, and some children were diagnosed with RSV.
“There’s definitely an epidemic of respiratory diseases right now,” says Aníbal Guamán, a 45-year-old man wearing a mask while waiting for medical attention.
Increased Pressure on Health Centers
In nearby Conocoto, at the local health center, dozens of parents and children wearing masks sit waiting for their appointments. “No one has been able to avoid the flu,” complains Solange Caiza, who, after hours of waiting, found out she had contracted COVID-19.
Doctors have reported a significant increase in respiratory illnesses, especially after the holidays. “It’s not just children; we’re seeing cases across all age groups—adolescents, adults, and seniors,” explains a local doctor.
As of early January 2025, the Ministry of Health recorded 1,829 confirmed cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) and 58 related deaths. Most of the cases have been reported in Pichincha, Guayas, and Manabí, with the influenza and RSV viruses being the main culprits.
A Growing Concern: The Spread of Viruses
Epidemiologist Daniel Simancas explains that the current surge in respiratory illnesses is directly tied to the Christmas and New Year holidays. However, he warns that the situation may worsen in the coming weeks. “With adults returning to work and children back in school, the chances of further virus spread are high,” Simancas says.
Infectious disease expert Daniel Mendoza estimates that this peak in cases could last until March, in line with typical seasonal virus behavior. "It’s crucial that the healthcare system stays prepared in case the situation worsens," he adds.
Health Authorities Urge Vaccination
The Ministry of Health has bolstered its epidemiological surveillance to handle the surge in respiratory illnesses. They are also encouraging the public to get vaccinated at health centers before February 28, 2025, when the national vaccination campaign ends.
In a statement, the Ministry assured that the Human Metapneumovirus, a recent health concern in China, is not circulating in Ecuador.
Recognizing the Symptoms: How to Tell the Difference
While influenza, COVID-19, and the common cold share many symptoms, there are key differences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outline the following distinctions:
Influenza:
Fever
Fatigue
Vomiting and diarrhea
Headache
Runny nose and congestion
Sore throat and cough
Muscle pain and body aches
Shortness of breath
COVID-19:
Fever
Fatigue
Vomiting and diarrhea
Headache
Loss of smell and taste
Cough
Joint pain
Shortness of breath
Common Cold:
Hoarseness
Watery eyes
Runny nose and congestion
General malaise
If you experience any of these symptoms you can visit your local healthcare center of the Ministry of Public Health.
Source: Primicias.