MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Unknown infectious agent kills eight Ecuadorean children

The tests' results will be available around May 10

At least eight Ecuadorean children in Taisha, in the province of Morona Santiago bordering Peru, died between February and April 2025 due to an unknown infectious agent, showing symptoms like fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, gastrointestinal issues, dehydration, and pneumonia. In this scenario, the Health Ministry has deployed extensive epidemiological efforts, including medical brigades, water and food analyses, and community interventions, but the cause remains unidentified.

In Quito, the National Assembly has urged President Daniel Noboa to declare a health emergency in Morona Santiago and Zamora Chinchipe, mobilize a multisectoral response, and investigate potential diseases like dengue, malaria, or gastrointestinal disorders while the Ministry awaits test results from water and food sources while providing medical care, with 802 services recorded and 11 patients currently under treatment. In addition, a government meeting was held on Wednesday to address the situation and coordinate further responses.

Health Minister Edgar Lama explained that since March 26, a team of 60 health professionals has been providing medical, dental, psychological, and vaccination services in the communities of Mashuim, Pampantsa, Surik Nuevo, Kuserua, Huasaga, Tuutinentsa, Karakam, Pumpuentsa, Wampuik, Saum, and Saapapentsa. He also spoke of “an infectious agent still of unknown nature.”

“We are investigating water, we are investigating contacts between different communities, we are investigating food sources, because we have to find out what is the cause of this malaise, of this disease that is afflicting different children,” Lama stressed while not ruling out the possibility of no connection between all cases. “We cannot speak of a serious contagious disease,” he said.

The Assembly also gave Lama and Education Minister Alegría Crespo six days to report on the measures taken after the first alerts in the area of residence of those affected.

On April 26, Health Ministry Regional Director Andrea Durango confirmed the first seven deaths and announced that the findings of the tests carried out would be available within a fortnight. These cases were linked to gastrointestinal symptoms, dehydration, and pneumonia.

The Water Regulation and Control Agency (ARCA) and the National Institute of Public Health Research (INSPI) joined the efforts to search for possible contamination sources.

Of the 11 patients still under close scrutiny, six have already been discharged, and two others have left the hospital at their parents' decision. The remaining three are under constant monitoring, with stable diagnoses.