Dengue Fight Intensifies in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Local health officials have initiated preventive measures to combat dengue and malaria in Playa del Carmen following reports of two dengue cases and one malaria case by the end of April. The campaign aims to curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases ahead of the upcoming rainy season.

Targeted Prevention Strategies

José Antonio Uribe Trujillo, Secretary of Health for Playa del Carmen, stated that the response extends beyond fogging operations to include public awareness campaigns encouraging residents to maintain clean yards and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.

“The number of cases is not high, but dengue infections have been documented in official reports and by secondary-level hospitals. There was also a malaria case, which was handled privately, but these incidents have occurred,” Uribe Trujillo said.

High-Risk Areas Identified

Authorities have pinpointed Puerto Aventuras, particularly the informal settlement known as Los Sauces, as a hotspot for mosquito activity. Residents in the area have called for preemptive action to prevent outbreaks of vector-borne diseases.

“There have been cases, primarily dengue. While it hasn’t reached alarming levels, infections persist. Many sectors already had issues with illegal dumping and discarded debris, which is why we’re reinforcing prevention efforts,” Uribe Trujillo explained.

Coordinated Government Response

The Secretary emphasized that fogging operations follow a state-level protocol triggered by confirmed cases. However, he noted that collaboration between the Health Department and Public Services is critical to addressing sanitation concerns.

“The fogging is part of a broader strategy, but it’s also our responsibility as citizens and government officials to take proactive steps,” he added.

While current dengue and malaria cases do not pose an immediate public health crisis, officials warn that infections could escalate during the rainy season if preventive measures are not sustained.