Whooping Cough Cases Spike in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Health authorities have confirmed a resurgence of whooping cough in Quintana Roo, with cases increasing from zero to four between epidemiological weeks 13 and 14. An additional 29 suspected cases are under investigation, marking an incidence rate of 0.07 per 100,000 inhabitants. No fatalities have been reported so far, but medical experts warn that preventable diseases like whooping cough, measles, and tuberculosis are reemerging due to vaccine hesitancy among adults.

National and Statewide Cases Surge

According to data from Mexico’s National Committee for Epidemiological Surveillance (Conave), the country recorded 696 confirmed cases of whooping cough in week 14, alongside 2,549 probable cases. The national incidence rate stands at 0.52, with 37 deaths across 14 states—a fatality rate of 5.3%.

Chihuahua leads with 77 cases, followed by Mexico City (74), Aguascalientes (69), Nuevo León (62), Coahuila (46), Jalisco (39), and the State of Mexico (33). Quintana Roo now joins the list with its four confirmed cases.

Vaccine Hesitancy Fuels Outbreaks

Physicians attribute the resurgence to anti-vaccine campaigns, particularly on social media, which gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic. "These vaccines prevent diseases, but unfortunately, many parents refuse to immunize their children," said a general practitioner. "That’s why we’re seeing outbreaks of whooping cough and even measles, which was eradicated in the 1960s."

Another doctor shared a personal account: his unvaccinated six-month-old nephew contracted the disease. While he noted that 700 cases nationwide may not warrant a public health alert, he emphasized the illness’s high contagion rate. "If Quintana Roo has four cases now, that number could double soon," he warned.

Symptoms and Risks

Whooping cough, caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, begins with mild cold-like symptoms—runny nose, sneezing, and a slight cough—before progressing to severe, uncontrollable coughing fits. Infants are especially vulnerable, with potential complications including apnea, fever, and breathing difficulties. The incubation period lasts seven to 10 days, and symptoms can persist for up to eight weeks.

Health officials stress the importance of early detection and vaccination. While cases had declined over the past decade, a minor outbreak occurred in 2023 with 188 confirmed cases nationwide. Quintana Roo had no reported cases since 2019 but recorded nearly 20 last year.

Ongoing Monitoring

Authorities maintain standard epidemiological surveillance and urge preventive measures in public spaces. "This is primarily a pediatric disease, and prevention is critical," said a medical professional.

The state health department continues to monitor the situation closely as cases rise in neighboring regions, including Campeche, which reported 10 confirmed and 38 suspected cases in recent weeks.