Puerto Vallarta health authorities announce no new dengue cases in the past week after a four-week fogging and breeding-site elimination campaign, but warn that rainy season risks remain.
Puerto Vallarta health authorities have successfully halted the local transmission of dengue fever, with no new cases reported over the past week. The milestone comes after four weeks of intensive, focused efforts to extinguish the Aedes aegypti mosquito population and break the chain of infection.
Jaime Álvarez Zayas, director of the VIII Health Region, confirmed the containment during a press briefing, noting that while he did not disclose this year’s total case count, “we have managed to stop the spread of dengue in this municipality for the time being.” His office remains on high alert as the region transitions into the rainy season, when mosquito-borne illnesses typically surge.
Four Weeks of Focused Prevention
The containment strategy hinged on a dual approach:
- Fogging in Hotspot Areas: Mobile teams conducted nightly fumigation in neighborhoods where confirmed dengue cases had emerged, suppressing adult mosquito populations before they could transmit the virus further.
- Breeding-Site Elimination: Health brigades worked door-to-door to locate and eliminate stagnant water sources—such as discarded tires, flowerpots, and uncovered tanks—where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
Álvarez Zayas highlighted that epidemiological surveillance fences were established around the homes of diagnosed patients. “By monitoring residences within a defined radius, we were able to detect and isolate potential infections promptly,” he explained.
Interagency Coordination
The campaign mobilized brigade members dispatched by the Jalisco Ministry of Health, who collaborated closely with municipal sanitation teams. In addition to fumigation and inspections, public-awareness drives encouraged residents to practice regular container management and report standing water to local authorities.
“These efforts intensified over the last month but have been ongoing since the first cases appeared earlier in the year,” said Álvarez Zayas. He credited community cooperation—residents opening their homes for inspections and participating in cleanup days—as a key factor in the campaign’s success.
Rainy Season Ahead: Vigilance Remains Crucial
Despite the recent victory, officials urge continued vigilance. The arrival of summer rains typically heralds a spike in mosquito breeding. “Containment today does not guarantee safety tomorrow,” Álvarez Zayas warned. “Eliminating breeding grounds before the first downpours is essential to prevent a resurgence.”
Local clinics will maintain enhanced surveillance, and another round of fogging is scheduled at the end of the month. Authorities also plan to distribute educational materials in schools and community centers to reinforce preventive behaviors.
Puerto Vallarta health authorities announce no new dengue cases in the past week after a four-week fogging and breeding-site elimination . . .
