Monkeypox Cases Rise to 5 in Yucatán Peninsula

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Health authorities have confirmed a fourth case of monkeypox in Quintana Roo this year, raising the total number of infections in the Yucatán Peninsula to five. While case numbers remain lower than in previous months, the new detection reinforces the state’s position among Mexico’s highest-incidence regions for the virus.

Case Details and Response

The case was confirmed by Mexico’s federal Secretary of Health in an epidemiological surveillance report dated June 30. The patient, a male residing in northern Quintana Roo, sought medical attention after exhibiting symptoms and lesions consistent with monkeypox. Medical personnel collected a biological sample from the patient’s wounds and sent it to the Institute for Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE) in Mexico City for analysis.

Following confirmation by the InDRE, the patient was immediately isolated at home. The epidemiological report also noted that Yucatán recorded its first monkeypox case this year, with six additional patients under monitoring for suspected infection.

Regional and National Trends

The Yucatán Peninsula concluded 2024 with 16 monkeypox cases—15 in men and one in a woman—all reported in Quintana Roo. Nationally, Mexico has documented 345 confirmed cases across 21 states as of the latest update, marking a 91% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when only 30 infections were recorded.

Mexico City leads with 219 cases, followed by Jalisco (54), the State of Mexico (15), Nuevo León (9), Querétaro and Aguascalientes (8 each), Veracruz (6), Oaxaca (5), and Quintana Roo (4). This surge underscores monkeypox’s continued status as a public health concern, necessitating reinforced surveillance, prevention, and timely treatment measures.

Symptoms and Public Health Recommendations

Symptoms typically appear 3 to 17 days after exposure and may include:

• Fever
• Skin rash
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache
• Muscle and back pain
• Chills
• Fatigue

Severe complications, though rare, can include facial or limb scarring, blindness, secondary infections, and, in extreme cases, death.

Prevention Guidelines:

• Avoid physical contact with infected individuals or suspected cases.
• Refrain from touching objects used by patients.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or antibacterial gel.
• Practice respiratory etiquette (e.g., covering coughs/sneezes).
• Wear masks properly.
• Limit attendance at crowded events, especially those involving physical contact.

If Symptoms Appear:

• Stay home and avoid contact with others.
• Abstain from sexual activity.
• Wear a mask when near others.
• Use separate dishes, utensils, and bedding.
• Launder clothing, towels, and linens separately.
• Ventilate living spaces and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Dispose of wound dressings (bandages, gauze) safely.

Health officials urge vigilance to curb further transmission as cases rise nationwide.