Health Alert – U. S. Embassy, Quito, Ecuador – February 5, 2020
Location: Ecuador
Event:
The Ministry of Health, through analysis by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), confirmed the evening of February 4 that a patient hospitalized with potential symptoms of 2019-novel coronavirus does NOT in fact have the virus. There are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ecuador.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan, China, to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern January 30. To date, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of State have issued travel advisories to avoid travel to China. Several countries, including the United States, continue to monitor arriving and transiting travelers for possible indications of the disease. There are no coronavirus-related health advisories as of this date affecting travel to or from Ecuador.
In general, what protects from the flu also protects against coronavirus. U.S. citizens are encouraged to follow the recommendations of public health authorities at the CDC and the WHO.
Actions to Take
- Consider getting an influenza vaccination if you have not already.
- Practice good “respiratory hygiene” by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a tissue. Individuals with fever should seek medical care, then stay home until they are fever free and off medications for 24 hours.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after you have been out in public places; 20 seconds with soap and water or thorough application of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes and face, which transmits infection from your hands to your respiratory tract.
- Avoid people who you can see are ill: coughing, sneezing, runny nose, etc.
- Refer to the resources below for accurate information and guidance on novel coronavirus, including resources on prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control: 2019 Novel Coronavirus
U.S. Department of State – Coronavirus Travel Advisory
World Health Organization – Coronavirus
Assistance
- U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador
+(593)(2) 398-5000
+(593)(2) 398-5000 (after hours)
ACSQuito@state.gov - U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil, Ecuador
+(593)(4) 371-7000
+(593)(4) 371-7000 (after hours)
ACSGuayaquil@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Ecuador Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive security updates
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