Quintana Roo Tops 224,000 Respiratory Infection Cases in 2026

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Quintana Roo has recorded 224,432 acute respiratory infections and 1,207 chickenpox cases so far this year, according to state epidemiological records.

Health data also show 885 diagnoses of pneumonia and bronchopneumonia, conditions that require prompt medical attention, particularly when patients develop breathing difficulties, persistent fever or a general deterioration in their condition.

Figures from Mexico’s National Epidemiological Surveillance System, updated to October 26, show that 5,659 new acute respiratory infections were added statewide in a single week.

The cumulative total is 17,056 cases higher than the 207,376 recorded in the same period of 2025, an increase of about 8.2 percent. Of this year’s cases, 104,649 involve men and 119,783 involve women, indicating a higher incidence among women.

Officials Expect a Further Rise

In Benito Juárez municipality, which includes Cancún, the increase has not yet been sharp, but authorities anticipate a surge in the coming weeks.

Héctor González, director of municipal health, said local medical services have not detected a significant variation so far, though officials expect numbers to climb.

Dr. Odalis, who works in a private practice, said three viruses with symptoms that can be easily confused are currently circulating: dengue, influenza and COVID-19.

She said influenza typically brings body aches, throat discomfort and an intense, dry cough, and recommended that patients take a test 72 hours after symptoms begin and seek a medical assessment to identify the cause. While awaiting results, she said, initial treatment may include paracetamol under medical supervision.

Chickenpox cases rose from 932 in the same period of 2025 to 1,207 in 2026 — 275 more, a 29.5 percent increase. This year’s total breaks down into 635 men and 572 women. Although the absolute difference is smaller than for respiratory infections, the percentage change points to an uptick that warrants continued epidemiological monitoring.

The figures reflect cases reported to the surveillance system and do not on their own establish the causes of the increase or the severity of each patient’s illness. The year-on-year comparison, however, shows both respiratory infections and chickenpox above their 2025 levels.

Quintana Roo launched its seasonal vaccination campaign against influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcus earlier in October. Children aged 6 to 59 months who have never received the seasonal influenza vaccine require two doses given four weeks apart.