Coxsackie Virus Outbreak Controlled in Quintana Roo

Chetumal, Mexico — Quintana Roo's Secretary of Education, Elda Xix Euan, has confirmed that 165 cases of the illness transmitted by the Coxsackie virus have been detected and that the outbreak has been successfully controlled through the implementation of sanitary cordons in the municipalities of Tulum, Bacalar, and Othón P. Blanco.

The virus causes hand, foot, and mouth disease, which is common in young children and presents symptoms such as fever, mouth sores, and rashes on the hands and feet.

Breakdown of Reported Cases

Authorities detailed that educational and health officials in the affected municipalities reported 78 cases at the primary school level and 87 cases at the preschool level. All affected children received adequate treatment.

"To date, no further children affected have been registered due to the sanitary filters that were applied at the point of entry to the schools," stated Secretary Xix Euan.

Containment and Prevention Measures

The official explained that, in addition to the entry filters, sanitization work was carried out in the schools and teaching staff were trained on sanitary management. The goal was to provide comprehensive attention to protect the health of students, as well as administrative and managerial staff.

She reiterated that the prevention efforts have yielded results in avoiding the spread of the illness and that the cases have been controlled.

Ongoing Epidemiological Monitoring

The Secretary of Education added that epidemiological follow-up continues in a coordinated manner between health and education authorities. This effort is focused on active surveillance and the promotion of sanitary protocols within the school community, with the aim of preventing further cases of this and other illnesses.

Origin of the Outbreak

Secretary Xix Euan recalled that the disease outbreak originated in a school in the municipality of Tulum, where 28 children were infected. Subsequently, six more cases were reported in Bacalar and another six in two schools in Othón P. Blanco.

"The sanitary cordon was implemented in a timely manner with instructions to care for the condition of the boys and girls," the official stated.