International
Ecuador detects three cases of new Covid-19 variant
August 30|
The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) of Ecuador confirmed the existence in the country of the EG-5 variant of SARS-CoV-2, the same that has led to the rebound of the disease in China and other countries such as Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the United States and the Dominican Republic.
The National Undersecretary of Public Health Surveillance, attached to the MSP, Francisco Perez, reported that the three cases identified were located in the Andean province of Pichincha, whose capital is Quito, which leads to presume that the variant transits through other regions of the nation.
The official remarked that the first case was detected three weeks ago and is currently at home with no symptoms and no possibility of having infected other people. The other two people identified with the variant do not pave the way for knowing the existence of new cases.
“We have not had the effects that the circulation of this variant has had in other countries,” said the health official, who took the opportunity to recommend to the population to increase basic health care, especially those with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory problems and others.
He suggested the use of masks and respecting vaccination schedules to avoid contagion and severe complications, such as the “seasonal vaccine” available in the national health system for people at risk, but revealed that a regular dose is being analyzed to be incorporated to the general inoculation system.
EG.5 is a subvariant of the Omicron lineage of Covid-19 and has already generated concern because it circulates freely in several countries. According to the MOH, XBB.1.5 is the dominant Covid-19 variant in Ecuador, although others such as XBB.1.16.1 have been detected in the provinces of Pichincha, Tungurahua and Pastaza.
Other variants that the MSP keeps under monitoring are XBB.1.9.2 (Cotopaxi and Pichincha), XBB.1.9.2 (Chimborazo and Pichincha) and XBB.2.3.3 (Pichincha). However, the entity assures that the contagion is scarce and practically no deaths have been registered due to this disease in the last weeks, said Perez.
In another sense, the undersecretary warned about the rebound of dengue cases and stated that, so far this year, 16 deaths have been confirmed due to this disease, a figure that equals the total number of deaths of the previous year.
International
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
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