Ecuador Reports Five Cases of EG.5 Omicron Sublineage Variant Concentrated in Pichincha Province

In Ecuador, there are already five cases of the EG.5 omicron sublineage variant, detailed the Minister of Public Health, José Ruales, during an interview with this newspaper.

Regarding the registered cases of this sublineage, Ruales said that they are all concentrated in the province of Pichincha.

The previous month, the Ministry of Public Health reported a first case and days later detailed two more infected cases. Globally, there has been a steady increase in the proportion of infections reported by EG.5, considered a variant of concern.

In recent days, Francisco Pérez, Undersecretary of Epidemiological Surveillance, indicated that the variant of concern was already in circulation in the country, although there was no increase in cases.

This afternoon, Minister Ruales pointed out that there are currently no epidemiological changes, that is, the infection trend remains stable at the country level. He even cited that there have been three weeks with zero deaths due to the virus.

More than 2,820,000 people in Ecuador could receive the bivalent vaccine against COVID-19

He said there are always risks with new forms of virus mutation as they could bypass the immunity generated in people. “This could increase the frequency of cases, the incidences in case the weather conditions vary, this can happen at the beginning of the school season and the rainy season and humidity, it is very important to remain alert,” he warned.

He suggested sticking with prevention measures, such as wearing a mask if you have respiratory symptoms for at least five days until the symptoms pass, washing your hands, and also going for the booster vaccination.

The symptoms of EG.5 are similar to other omicron lineages. It usually presents with cough, fatigue, headache, sore throat, fever, congestion, sneezing, among others.

Currently, the Ministry has the bivalent booster vaccine available. This immunizer contains the omicron strain and is recommended especially for older adults and people with comorbidities, he said. (YO)

2023-09-09 03:37:00
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