A nine-year-old girl is the first person infected with bird flu in Ecuador

The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) confirmed on Tuesday the first case of influenza A-H5 (avian flu) in a human in the country, after the results obtained in the laboratory of the National Institute for Research and Public Health (INSPI).

This is a 9-year-old girl, a native of the province of Bolívar, whose infection is presumed to have occurred through direct contact with birds that carried the virus, the Ministry reported.

The institution indicated that together with the Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency (Agrocalidad) they carried out the epidemiological fence, both human and animal, in the identified risk areas. In addition, he clarified that at the moment there are no more confirmed cases in humans.

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Likewise, the State Portfolio mentioned that the health and control entities continue to apply preventive measures to prevent the transmission and spread of the virus. For this purpose, vaccination campaigns have been carried out for the population at risk, as well as for people in contact with poultry.

Citizens are recommended to maintain biosecurity measures such as hand washing, wearing a mask and getting vaccinated against influenza.

“The consumption of chicken meat and eggs do not represent any risk to human health,” said the Ministry of Health.

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Health issued the epidemiological alert for the avian influenza virus on December 15 of last year.

People who present symptoms such as fever, cough and sore throat are recommended to go to the nearest health center. Additionally, the MSP requests to report cases of farms or homes where there are sick or dead birds and avoid their handling. (YO)