Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – The Jalisco Ministry of Health, through the Eighth Health Region based in Puerto Vallarta, has intensified its preventive measures in response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent declaration of a Health Emergency of International Importance concerning Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox. The move marks a critical escalation in the region’s ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate the spread of the disease, particularly in areas with significant international traffic.
Jaime Álvarez Zayas, the head of the Eighth Health Region, emphasized the heightened vigilance across the region, particularly in the port and international airport of Puerto Vallarta. This increase in surveillance aligns with measures that have been in place since 2022 when the disease first captured the attention of health authorities in Jalisco.
“Since 2022, when the first cases were reported, we have been under active epidemiological surveillance and case management,” Álvarez Zayas stated in an interview. “We established a module in the regional public health laboratory where all probable cases were concentrated. We took samples and followed up on them closely. This surveillance has never been interrupted, especially now that the WHO has issued a health emergency notice of international importance.”
Álvarez Zayas further explained that the region’s Department of International Health has been pivotal in these efforts. With a presence in both the port and the international airport of Puerto Vallarta, the department has doubled its efforts to monitor incoming travelers, particularly those from countries where Mpox is prevalent.
“Measures have been stepped up precisely to actively monitor any case that could be suspicious,” he reiterated, underscoring the region’s commitment to preventing the spread of the disease.
As of this year, three confirmed cases of Mpox have been reported in Jalisco. Fortunately, these cases are no longer active. However, the situation remains delicate, and health officials continue to urge the public to adhere to preventive measures.
To prevent the spread of Mpox, the Jalisco Ministry of Health advises avoiding physical contact with individuals who are infected or suspected to be infected, as well as avoiding contact with their personal or medical care items. Hand hygiene is critical; individuals are urged to wash their hands with soap and water regularly or use antibacterial gel. When sneezing or coughing, it is recommended to cover the nose and mouth with the inside of the elbow. Sharing food, drinks, cutlery, and plates should be avoided.
The use of face masks remains an essential precaution for both patients and those around them. In households where someone is infected, it is crucial to wash the sick person’s clothes, towels, and sheets with warm water and detergent. Contaminated surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected frequently. In case of symptoms, individuals are advised to isolate themselves from others, avoid close physical contact, and steer clear of crowded places.
