PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – Health officials in Jalisco are intensifying their efforts following the confirmation of 12 new dengue cases within health region number 8, which encompasses parts of the Western Sierra and the North Coast, including Puerto Vallarta and Tomatlán.
Jaime Álvarez Zayas, the director of the eighth health region for the Jalisco Health Secretariat (SSJ), has confirmed that 11 of these cases are within Puerto Vallarta, while one has been registered in Tomatlán. The increasing numbers have triggered a redoubling of preventive initiatives. “We have 12 already confirmed, so we are redoubling our efforts,” stated Dr. Álvarez Zayas in a recent briefing.
The situation in Jalisco reflects a broader concern in South America, with Dr. Álvarez Zayas highlighting a “critical” rise in dengue incidences in countries such as Brazil and Peru. Furthermore, he noted the presence of Zika cases, underscoring the persistent risk posed by vector-borne diseases in Central and South America.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral illness, presents with fever and can range from mild to severe, potentially incapacitating symptoms. Its impact spans across all age groups, affecting infants, children, and adults alike. Health authorities emphasize the importance of vigorous prevention strategies to curtail the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector of dengue.
Dr. Álvarez Zayas outlined the four cornerstone preventive actions: washing containers to eliminate mosquito eggs, covering water storage units to prevent egg-laying, overturning any receptacles that might collect rainwater, and disposing of all unnecessary items where water could accumulate.
These measures come in response to the cumulative count of 54 confirmed dengue cases across Jalisco up to the end of August. Health region number 7 in Autlán de Navarro, along with region 8, which includes Puerto Vallarta, have recorded the highest incidences, accompanied by notable case numbers in the metropolitan zones of Guadalajara and Zapopan.
Local health authorities are urging the public to adhere strictly to prevention guidelines and to remain vigilant in recognizing symptoms associated with dengue. With collective and sustained effort, the spread of this disease can be mitigated, safeguarding the well-being of the region’s inhabitants.
