Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - In response to the escalating dengue cases in Puerto Vallarta, health authorities have sounded the alarm, warning of potential catastrophic scenarios if swift action is not taken. The recent epidemiological report reveals a concerning uptick in dengue cases, with nine new cases reported in the last week alone, bringing the total count to 54 this year.
Jaime Álvarez Zayas, the director of the VIII Health Region, expressed his concerns during a press conference alongside municipal authorities. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the current trend is expected to persist in the coming weeks. Comparatively, the number of cases reported this year has already surpassed the total count for the entirety of 2023, which stood at 53 cases.
Álvarez Zayas provided insights into the severity of the dengue situation, highlighting the alert issued by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) since late 2023. He underscored the importance of proper training for medical professionals to accurately diagnose and record cases, as dengue symptoms can often be confused with other illnesses.
In a concerted effort to tackle the crisis, health authorities, in collaboration with municipal entities, have announced plans to intensify efforts to eliminate breeding sites of the dengue-transmitting mosquito. This includes ramping up the frequency of scrapping days, with the aim of increasing routes to three or even four times a week. Municipal Public Services have pledged their support for these initiatives.
During the press conference held at the Municipal Presidency's Press Room, interim mayor José Martínez Gil reiterated the crucial role of citizen participation in combating the dengue epidemic. He emphasized that eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes remains the most effective prevention strategy and urged residents to actively engage in these efforts.
Authorities and citizens are joining forces to mitigate the crisis and safeguard public health. With proactive measures and community involvement, they aim to stem the tide of dengue infections and protect the well-being of the local population.
