Viral Infections Account for 90% of Gastrointestinal Cases in Cancún

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Nine out of 10 patients treated for gastrointestinal illnesses in the municipality of Benito Juárez, home to Cancún, have viral infections, according to Héctor González Rodríguez, the city’s health director.

Most cases are viral diarrhea and typically resolve within three to seven days with basic treatment, rest and proper hydration, González Rodríguez said.

“Based on the clinical presentation and characteristics, we can identify that around 90 percent are viral diarrhea,” he added.

Hot weather increases the factors that contribute to gastrointestinal disease, mainly through the consumption of contaminated food or water, the official said. High temperatures accelerate the decomposition of some products, increasing the risk of contamination and causing more people to experience symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• General malaise
• Fluid loss

González Rodríguez urged particular attention to children and older adults, who are at the highest risk of complications from dehydration. Most cases are treated at primary-care units; only some patients with more serious conditions require transfer to hospitals. Severe dehydration is among the main complications, especially when fluids are not adequately replaced.

The director also noted that areas with greater deficiencies in basic services may see a larger impact, given issues related to access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. He said these conditions have also led to school absenteeism because of gastrointestinal infections at some educational institutions.

Officials recommended the following precautions:

• Wash hands frequently.
• Drink potable or purified water.
• Keep food refrigerated.
• Avoid products exposed to the sun or high temperatures.
• Monitor for signs of dehydration, especially in children and older adults.