Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco — The dengue outbreak in Puerto Vallarta continues to escalate, with nearly 600 confirmed cases reported as of epidemiological week 44. The Jalisco Health Secretariat (SSJ) announced this weekend that two dengue-related deaths have been confirmed in the municipality, underscoring the growing public health crisis.
These fatalities occurred between June and October, according to health officials. With an additional 19 deaths reported statewide during epidemiological week 45 (November 5 to 22), the total dengue-related fatalities in Jalisco now stand at 26 for the year.
Guadalajara leads the state in dengue fatalities with ten deaths, followed by Tlaquepaque with five. Zapopan and Puerto Vallarta have each recorded two fatalities, while Tonalá and El Salto have reported one death each.
Data from the SSJ epidemiology department indicates that 13 of the deceased were women and eight were men, spanning an age range of 6 to 80 years. Additionally, 71 percent of those who succumbed to the disease had underlying health conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, which exacerbated the severity of their infections.
Statewide, 1,216 new dengue cases were confirmed during epidemiological week 45, bringing the total number of infections in Jalisco to 15,948 so far this year. Puerto Vallarta alone has accounted for 594 confirmed cases as of the most recent update on November 4.
The Jalisco Health Secretariat has intensified its public health campaigns, emphasizing vector control and mosquito prevention to curb the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue. Authorities continue to urge residents to eliminate standing water, use mosquito repellent, and seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
Experts have highlighted the role of comorbidities in dengue fatalities. “Dengue can be life-threatening, especially for individuals with preexisting conditions like diabetes and hypertension,” an SSJ official noted. “Early detection and management are critical for reducing mortality.”
As the number of cases continues to rise, Puerto Vallarta residents are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing mosquito breeding. Local health authorities are expected to release updated figures in the coming weeks, providing a clearer picture of the ongoing impact of dengue in the region.
For those affected, SSJ reminds residents that treatment for dengue is available at public health centers and encourages anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe headache, joint pain, or rashes to seek immediate medical care.
The city remains on high alert as the fight against dengue persists, with hopes of containing the outbreak and minimizing further fatalities.
