Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta faces a growing concern: dengue fever. With 82 confirmed cases reported by the Jalisco Health Secretariat’s “Aguas con el Dengue” platform as of May 18, 2024, health officials warn residents to take action. Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, can cause serious illness and even death.
Dr. Jaime Álvarez Zayas, director of the Eighth Health Region, points to several reasons for the outbreak. Puerto Vallarta is close to states with high dengue rates, such as Nayarit, which ranks 6th nationally. Additionally, the circulating serotype 3 can infect people who have previously had dengue, worsening the situation.
The Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which breeds in stagnant clean water, transmits the virus. Symptoms like fever, headache, muscle pain, rash and nausea, typically appear within a week of a bite. There’s no specific cure, but prevention is key: wear protective clothing, use repellent, and eliminate standing water around your home.
Jalisco state reported 172 new cases during the week of May 12-18, most of which were mild. However, 67 cases showed warning signs, and 4 were severe.
The most affected areas in Puerto Vallarta are 5 de Diciembre, El Centro, and Las Juntas. Health officials are battling the outbreak with fumigation and clean-up drives, but public participation is crucial. Dr. Jaime Álvarez Zayas urges residents to “wash, turn over, cover, and throw away” containers that hold water, especially before the rainy season.
Residents of Puerto Vallarta are urged to take preventative measures to protect themselves from dengue. By following health recommendations and joining clean-up efforts, we can control the spread of dengue.