Health authorities in Nayarit have raised the alarm following the detection of what is suspected to be the first case of monkeypox (mpox) in the state, involving a 23-year-old male patient. The man, who presented with symptoms indicative of monkeypox, was evaluated at an IMSS-Bienestar hospital in the municipality of Bahía de Banderas. However, the situation took a troubling turn when the patient refused to remain in quarantine and fled the hospital, using public transportation, thereby raising concerns about the potential for an outbreak in the region.
The incident has prompted an immediate response in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas, where local health authorities have activated alerts and are closely monitoring the situation. The patient, who was admitted to the hospital on August 26, exhibited an exanthematous disease—visible skin lesions that are characteristic of monkeypox. Despite this, the young man left the hospital without receiving a formal diagnosis or appropriate medical care, raising fears of possible virus transmission within the community.
In response to the situation, Roberto Carlos Rivera Ávila, Director of Health Intelligence Surveillance in Jalisco, provided an update, stating that, as of now, no active cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in the state. However, the authorities remain vigilant, closely tracking the situation to prevent the virus’s spread.
Rivera Ávila revealed that, since the onset of the global monkeypox outbreak in 2022, Jalisco has confirmed three cases, all linked to the strain that has been circulating worldwide since that year. Among the 19 suspected cases reported in the state, 14 have been ruled out, and two remain under investigation. The last confirmed case of monkeypox in Jalisco was in June 2023, with no new infections or fatalities reported since then.
Background on Monkeypox in Jalisco
The monkeypox situation in Jalisco has a concerning history. The first confirmed case in 2022 involved an American tourist who, upon being informed of his diagnosis, also fled the hospital and returned to his home country. Since then, as of May 2023, Jalisco has reported a total of 405 monkeypox cases, including two fatalities. This history underscores the ongoing risk of the virus, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.
In light of the current situation, Rivera Ávila emphasized the critical need for public vigilance and preventive measures. He urged individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and skin lesions to seek immediate medical attention. While there is a vaccine for monkeypox, it is not available through public institutions in Mexico, nor is it authorized for sale within the country.
Rivera Ávila also highlighted a recent World Health Organization (WHO) alert regarding a new strain of monkeypox with higher transmissibility, particularly prevalent in Central Africa. This global alert serves as a reminder of the importance of staying alert and minimizing contact with affected individuals to prevent the virus’s spread.
Health authorities in Nayarit have raised the alarm following the detection of what is suspected to be the first case of monkeypox (mpox) in the state, involving a 23-year-old male patient. The man, who presented with symptoms indicative of monkeypox, was evaluated at an IMSS-Bienestar hospital in the municipality of Bahía de Banderas. However, the situation took a troubling turn when the patient refused to remain in quarantine and fled the hospital, using public transportation, thereby raising concerns about the potential for an outbreak in the region.
