Ecuador Face a growing outbreak of whooping cough y yellow feverwhich has turned on public Health alarms in the region. Experts warn about the possibility of a “union”, a phenomenon where two epidemics simultaneously affect a population, which could generate an even more critical situation.
While Ecuadorian authorities intensify prevention measures, the question about itself Peru is at risk of suffering from these diseases It has gained relevance.
According to Ximena Garzónformer minister of Health and Expert in Epidemiology, the possibility of a union in Ecuador “is very real”, considering the active outbreaks in the country and its proximity to nations with high rates of yellow fever and the fangs, such as Peru y Colombia.
In statements a First fruitsGarzón said that the coincidence of both outbreaks could trigger a Health crisis If quick and effective measures are taken. “If they are not done epidemiological fences Adequate, the propagation could be greater, ”said the former official, who also highlighted the risk facing the Amazon region, where vectors of these diseases can quickly move between borders.
The yellow fever, which has caused at least four deaths in the Ecuadorian region of Morona Santiagohe has put the authorities on alert. To this are added the 321 cases reported from the Racing cough in the provinces of Guayas, Manabí, Pichincha y Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.
The situation has led to Ecuador’s government to implement a vaccination requirement for travelers from neighboring countries such as Peru, Colombia, Bolivia y Brazil. As of May 12, 2025, travelers of these nations must present a V certificatecoinage Against yellow fever upon entering the country, a measure that seeks to reduce the risk of spreading the disease in the Andean country.
In Peruthe yellow fever outbreak has also gained importance. According to him Ministry of Health37 confirmed cases and 12 deaths have been recorded so far this year, mainly in the Amazonian regions of Loreto, San Martín y Amazonas.
The infectologist Juan Carlos Celisin statements to RPPHe pointed out that yellow fever has a high cost of lethality, which can reach up to 60 % in the most serious cases. Despite efforts to increase vaccination coverage, the risk persists due to lack of access to Health services in the most remote areas and low vaccination rates in rural communities.
Yellow fever is transmitted through mosquito sting Aedes aegyptithe same that is responsible for the propagation of the dengue. This coincidence of vectors has alarmed experts, who fear that the combination of both diseases in affected areas can shoot mortality.
In this context, the former minister Garzón warned about the possibility of a syndhemia similar to that observed during the pandemic of COVID-19where in areas of the Ecuadorian coast people were infected with both COVID-19 and dengue. “Synergy between these two diseases could increase the lethality of both,” he added.
The health alert in Ecuador has also been exacerbated by the resurgence of the Raine cough, a disease that, according to Garzón, could have been avoided with greater coverage in vaccination programs.
In Peruthe increase in caus cases in regions such as Cusco y Loreto It has generated concern. Health authorities have intensified control measures, although experts fear that the problem will continue due to the lack of vaccination coverage and the vulnerability of young children.
This disease, which is transmitted from person to person through respiratory drops, can be particularly serious in the youngest, with respiratory complications that can even be mortal if appropriate treatment is not received.
He Ministry of Health Ecuador has intensified epidemiological surveillance in affected areas, but has also stressed that the situation remains focused and does not constitute an epidemic nationwide. However, both in Ecuador and in Peruthe authorities are making an urgent call to the citizens to be vaccinated against yellow fever and the people’s cough, and so that strict control and prevention measures are followed in risk areas.
Despite the measures, the risk remains latent for Peruwhich is located in an area with common vectors. In the Amazonian regions of the country, where yellow fever has intensified, mosquito control and vaccination are key elements to prevent the disease from spreading to other areas of the country. Logistics difficulties, especially in difficult access areas such as Putumayo Or Awajún communities continue to be an important challenge for Peruvian health authorities.
The current scenario in both countries raises a complex scenario, where the combination of these two diseases could have devastating effects if more rigorous sanitary measures are not implemented. With the authorities of both countries on alert and a possible “union” in sight, international cooperation and rapid action are fundamental to prevent the situation from worsening, experts say.
