Shocking Revelation: Argentine Man’s Death Not Due to Monkeypox!

The Health Department of Quintana Roo (SESA) has confirmed the death of Santiago Molina, an Argentine national. However, they clarified that his death was not due to monkeypox, as previously suspected, but rather respiratory failure. This was a result of complications arising from a weakened immune system. The 28-year-old had been a patient at the General Hospital of Playa del Carmen, in the Solidaridad municipality, for 21 days.

Molina was living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and, according to SESA, was not receiving antiretroviral treatment. Although he was diagnosed with monkeypox, he reportedly overcame the disease two weeks prior to his death. Despite this, his health continued to deteriorate. Molina's case was the eighth instance of monkeypox recorded in the state.

In response to the monkeypox cases, the Health Services are launching a campaign to promote preventative measures. This will include information dissemination at airports, via social media, and through electronic media outlets.

According to the state's Epidemiological Surveillance System, there were 195 cases of monkeypox and two deaths in 2022; 52 cases and three deaths in 2023; and so far in 2024, eight cases with no deaths. This brings the total to 255 cases and five deaths from 2022 to the present.

In 2024, Quintana Roo ranks second in the nation for the number of monkeypox cases, trailing only Mexico City. The state currently has one active case under observation and seven recovered patients who have been discharged, as specified by the state health institution.