In a statement, MSP detailed the first monkeypox case was a 30-year-old patient who lives in Guayaquil, Guayas province, considered as the first epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

According to details, the patient´s symptoms, who remains in stable conditions, isolated and under medical surveillance, are: fever, weakness, malaise and vesicles (fluid blisters on the skin), as confirmed by the National Institute of Public Health Research (INSPI, in Spanish) after conducting the respective tests and ruling out other two suspected cases.

MSP also added that those who kept contact with the patient are also in isolation.

The new monkeypox case was reported at a time the country is facing up a Covid-19 rebound nationwide, for which the Emergency Operations Committee authorities are calling for a meeting so as to assess domestic situation.

Given the new scenario, Ecuador´s health authorities urged population to respect health measures to avoid further contagion, such as frequent hand-washing, use of alcohol or antibacterial gel, as well as facemasks in case of symptoms and go to hospital immediately.

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