Climate Change May Worsen Malaria Spread in Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico — Climate change may increase the risk of malaria transmission in Mexico, according to José Luis Alfredo Mora Guevara, an academic from the Faculty of Higher Studies Zaragoza at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The disease, also known as malaria, is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

A Persistent Threat in Tropical Regions

Mora Guevara emphasized that these mosquitoes are typically found in tropical areas and do not inhabit regions above 1,000 meters in elevation. However, he cautioned, “We hope that global warming does not alter this.” To eradicate malaria in Mexico—a feat already achieved by other nations in the region—expanded treatment options and stronger prevention measures are necessary.

Although malaria vaccination efforts are currently concentrated in Africa due to the severity of the disease there, the goal is to extend immunization to endemic regions in Mexico, including Chiapas, Oaxaca, Campeche, and Tabasco.

Global and National Impact

According to the World Health Organization (2024), 263 million new malaria cases were reported worldwide in 2023, resulting in nearly 600,000 deaths across 83 countries. The most affected nations include Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Mozambique, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen. In the Americas, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia report significant cases.

In Mexico, 44 locally transmitted cases were confirmed in 2023—a 73% decrease from the previous year—alongside 303 imported cases among migrants entering the country, as reported by the National Center for Prevention and Disease Control.

Regional Distribution and Symptoms

The majority of Mexico’s malaria cases are concentrated in the southeast: Chiapas (61.4%), Oaxaca (15.9%), Campeche (13.6%), and Tabasco (9.1%). Data from the first quarter of 2024 shows 15 autochthonous cases distributed across Chiapas (60.6%), Oaxaca (20%), Chihuahua (13.3%), and Campeche (6.7%).

The disease manifests in four parasite types: P. vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale, and P. malariae. The first two are the most dangerous, while the last is the least aggressive. After infecting the liver, the parasites enter red blood cells, leading to chronic degenerative damage in multiple organs.

P. falciparum and P. vivax can cause brain damage, while P. falciparum and P. malariae may lead to kidney failure. Without treatment, the most aggressive strains can be fatal within six months.

Symptoms typically appear 10 to 15 days after infection and include high fever (up to 40°C), chills, headaches, and general malaise. Advanced stages may involve spleen enlargement, anemia, fatigue, impaired consciousness, seizures, and respiratory distress. Dark urine, jaundice, abnormal bleeding, and acute kidney or brain damage are also possible.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventive measures include using mosquito nets, repellents containing icaridin, fumigation coils or vaporizers, and wearing long-sleeved clothing.

Mexico observes World Malaria Day on April 25, established by WHO member states in 2007. This year’s theme, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Revitalize,” underscores the importance of sustained vigilance, timely diagnosis, and community engagement in combating the disease.

Mora Guevara stressed, “This day reaffirms our commitment to public health and equitable access to prevention and care for this serious and widespread disease.”