Guayaquil sees rise in dengue and respiratory cases; health system strained

Ecuador's Ministry of Health reports a 4.5% increase in dengue cases in 2026 through week 37 compared to the same period in 2025, alongside a rise in respiratory diseases in Guayaquil. The increase suggests ongoing disease burden in a major urban center, potentially straining local health services. The report is official but lacks detailed epidemiological context, so the full public health impact remains unclear.