From the beginning of the year through August 15, the Ecuador Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has reported 4,891 chickenpox cases in 2026. 133 cases were reported during the week of Aug. 9 – Aug. 15.
Orellana province has the highest cumulative incidence rate in the country, with 107.02 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Napo, with 85.79, and Pastaza, with 84.73.
Image/CDC
However, as far as raw numbers of cases, Pichincha tops the list with 1,059 cases, followed by Guayas, with 967. Other provinces that register important figures are Azuay, with 268; Chimborazo, with 243; Cotopaxi, con 217; and Orellana, with 163.
Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV). Although it usually has a benign course during childhood, in adults it can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.
The 20 to 49-year-old group records 1,263 cases, adding up to 630 women and 633 men.
It is followed by children aged 1 to 4 years, with 1,008 cases, while among children aged 5 to 9 years there are 671 cases. In the 10- to 14-year-old group there are 797 records.