Chickenpox Cases in Quintana Roo Surge 30% With 194 More Infections Than Last Year

Quintana Roo — Chickenpox cases in Quintana Roo have jumped 30% compared to last year, with health authorities reporting 839 confirmed infections so far in 2026 — 194 more than the same period in 2025.

While officials have ruled out an epidemiological emergency, they warned that the virus remains highly active and transmissible, particularly among children. The state’s Municipal Health director, Héctor González Rodríguez, noted that the current school vacation period has temporarily reduced contact among children, which could slow the spread, but stressed that the risk is still significant.

Health authorities are urging parents and guardians to watch for warning signs, including:

• Persistent fever
• General malaise
• Characteristic skin rashes

Officials also advised keeping infected individuals away from social events, schools, and crowded places to immediately cut transmission chains.

Prevention recommendations include ensuring children have a complete vaccination schedule, frequent hand washing, seeking medical attention at the first suspicion of illness, and avoiding self-medication.

Experts reminded that while chickenpox usually resolves favorably, it can lead to serious complications in adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems, making timely medical care essential.