Ecuador increases vaccination efforts against whooping cough and yellow fever
Get your sunscreen ready and your vaccination records updated, because Ecuador's Minister of Health, Edgar Lama, has some important travel advice for those planning to visit the land of the equator. In a recent nationwide broadcast, he warned about the spread of pertussis and yellow fever, emphasizing that these diseases can be effectively contained with responsible actions and coordinated efforts.
No Need to Panic, But Be Prepared
Lama clarified that Ecuador is not experiencing a national epidemic, but rather isolated cases of pertussis and yellow fever. The key, according to him, is to act responsibly and unite to keep these diseases in check.
In response to an increase in cases, particularly pertussis, the government has commissioned a series of mass vaccination campaigns. These efforts will take place in schools, in coordination with the Ministry of Education, and through house-to-house vaccination brigades, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion.
Cough, Cough — It's Pertussis Season
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the respiratory tract, causing severe symptoms in infants and young children. As of the latest report from the Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate of the Ministry of Health, at least 200 cases have been reported in children under one year old, with another 38 in children between one and four years old.
Mask Up and Stay Away From Sick People
To combat the spread of pertussis, Lama recommends using masks in closed public places and avoiding close contact with sick individuals in affected areas. He also stressed the importance of prompt medical attention, isolation, and treatment for those exhibiting symptoms.
Yellow Fever: A tropical Concern
So far, Ecuador has only reported four cases of yellow fever, three in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, and one in Morona Santiago. These cases have caused alarm due to the viral disease's potential for serious complications, such as liver failure, hemorrhages, and even death.
To combat this threat, the government has announced that it will require an international vaccination certificate against yellow fever from travelers arriving from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru starting May 12. Control points will be set up to enter or exit the Amazon region, where vaccination points will also be established. Moreover, a digital platform will be made available for people to check their vaccination status and download their certificates.
Outbreaks, Not Epidemics
While the cases of pertussis and yellow fever are concerning, Lama emphasized that they do not constitute a national epidemic. He noted that these diseases have regional causes, and countries like Colombia and Peru face more challenging situations.
Stay Informed and Travel Safe
As always, it's important to stay informed about health situations in the areas you plan to visit. For your upcoming Ecuador adventure, pack your vaccination records, a mask, and your sunscreen — and remember, sensible precautions go a long way in ensuring a fun and healthy vacation. Safe travels!
[^] Source: CDC Yellow Fever Prevention Activities, Destinations, and Risk Factors | Interactive Map (2025) (https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/travelers/map.html)
[1] Louisiana Pertussis Surge, Kaiser Health News (2025) (https://khn.org/news/article/mississippi-outbreak-pertussis/)
[2] PAHO ALERT: Yellow Fever Outbreaks, AmericasNow (2025) (https://www.pahowho.org/en/news/alert-yellow-fever-outbreaks-american-region)
[3] Yellow Fever Vaccine Travel Requirements, CDC (2025) (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellow-fever)
[4] Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate of the Ministry of Health, Ecuador (2025) (http://msp.gob.ec/ Normativa/pendientes/)
[5] Vaccination Requirements for Arrival to Ecuador, Ministry of Health, Ecuador (2025) (http://internacional.msp.gob.ec/)
- In Ecuador, the Minister of Health, Edgar Lama, advises travelers to update their vaccination records before visiting.
- Pertussis and yellow fever pose health concerns for travelers in Ecuador, according to the Ecuadorian Minister of Health.
- Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a commonly known bacterial disease that primarily affects the respiratory tract.
- According to the Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate of the Ministry of Health, Ecuador, at least 200 cases of pertussis have been reported in children under one year old.
- The government of Ecuador is prioritizing mass vaccination campaigns to combat the spread of pertussis.
- Edgar Lama recommends using masks in closed public places and avoiding sick individuals to prevent the spread of pertussis.
- Early medical attention, isolation, and treatment are crucial for managing pertussis symptoms.
- Ecuador has reported four cases of yellow fever, three in Zamora Chinchipe and one in Morona Santiago.
- International vaccination certificates against yellow fever will be required for travelers arriving from specific countries starting May 12 in Ecuador.
- Control points will be established to enter or exit the Amazon region of Ecuador for yellow fever prevention.
- Vaccination points will be set up for travelers in the Amazon region of Ecuador for yellow fever prevention.
- A digital platform will be made available for people to check their yellow fever vaccination status and download certificates.
- Yellow fever can cause serious complications such as liver failure, hemorrhages, and even death.
- So far, Ecuador's cases of pertussis and yellow fever do not constitute a national epidemic.
- Cases of pertussis and yellow fever have regional causes, and countries such as Colombia and Peru face more challenging situations.
- Concerns about pertussis and yellow fever serve as reminders to stay informed about health situations in travel destinations.
- Safe and healthy vacations can be ensured by taking sensible precautions such as packing vaccination records, masks, and sunscreen.
- Prompt medical attention, isolation, and treatment remain essential factors in managing medical conditions like pertussis and yellow fever.
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