Ecuador reports high pertussis rates in infants under one year

In Ecuador, infants under one year old account for more than half of the confirmed pertussis cases reported in 2026. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health (MSP), 45 of the 83 confirmed cases up to epidemiological week 30 involve children in this age group.

This follows a significant increase in cases in previous years; in 2025, the country reported 2,798 cases compared to 141 in 2024. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recorded 50 deaths in 2025, 32 of which were infants under one year old.

Health officials warn that pertussis, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, can be difficult to recognize in its early stages as it may resemble a common cold. In very young infants, symptoms may include breathing pauses, difficulty inhaling, or a bluish tint to the lips or skin, which require immediate medical attention.