The increase in hepatitis A cases in Ecuador underscores the urgency of improving potable water and sanitation infrastructure in vulnerable communities. Photo: EFE.

Ecuador has reported 1771 cases of hepatitis A in the first 30 weeks of 2026, a 39.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Children aged five to nine are now the most affected group, according to the Ministry of Public Health’s National Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance.

Pichincha province accounts for 353 cases, followed by Napo, Azuay, and Tungurahua, marking a shift from previous patterns when Chimborazo led notifications and adults were the most affected. Children aged 5-9 account for 586 infections, indicating a shift in vulnerability.

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Health authorities attribute the spread to lack of safe water, inadequate hygiene, and deficient sanitation infrastructure, with fecal-oral transmission through contaminated water or food exposing structural gaps in public services.

Community organizations and social movements are demanding immediate delivery of resources and biosafety supplies for schools and popular sectors.

👤 Los testimonios nos recordaron que detrás de cada diagnóstico hay una historia de vida, y saber cómo prevenir, cuándo hacerse la prueba y qué tratamientos existen, es la herramienta más poderosa para salvar vidas. pic.twitter.com/iB66EcI8Yi

— Ministerio de Salud Pública 🇪🇨 (@Salud_Ec) August 7, 2026

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