Ecuador Registers First Case of Avian Flu in Humans

"It is presumed that the infection was caused by direct contact with birds carrying the virus," the health ministry said in a statement.

The MSP reported that the case, identified in the Ecuadorian province of Bolivar (center), was confirmed in the National Institute of Research and Public Health (Inspi) laboratory.

"So far, no other human cases have been reported," the note adds.

The portfolio recommended citizens reinforce biosecurity measures (hand washing, use of masks and vaccination against influenza) to reduce the risk of contagion and also to go to health centers in case of fever, cough and sore throat.

Last December, Ecuador issued an alert for avian flu and reinforced controls to curb the impact of this disease on birds.

On Monday, two new cases of avian influenza were reported in the provinces of Cotopaxi (north) and Bolivar (center), according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG).

Until last December, it was estimated that more than 300,000 birds were infected with this disease in Ecuador after discovering two initial outbreaks.

However, problems in producing eggs and poultry meat due to the virus have been ruled out.

According to MAG, the National Corporation of Poultry Farmers estimates that 263 million chickens are produced annually, equivalent to 495,000 tons of poultry meat, and egg production is 3,812 million.