Yucatán Mosquito Invasion Sparks Health Alerts

Mérida, Mexico — A massive presence of mosquitoes has triggered alerts in several municipalities of Yucatán, with the phenomenon being felt most intensely in coastal zones. In the port of Progreso, local authorities have reinforced control strategies in response to what Mayor Erick Rihani described as "an extraordinary situation" affecting not only the state but the entire peninsula.

"We are going through a difficult stage with the mosquito issue; I believe it is something extraordinary, but we are working together to get through it," the mayor stated.

Rihani reported that the City Council maintains a comprehensive plan to address the problem from different fronts. "We have a constant fumigation campaign," he noted, which is complemented by an abatement program implemented since last year and a permanent clean-up campaign via strategic points where citizens can dispose of useless objects at no cost, with the goal of eliminating breeding grounds and keeping the city clean.

The mayor also announced an expansion of fumigation brigades, which increased from four to six, as well as a special fumigation scheme for the mangroves, where products different from the conventional ones are used in coordination with the State Government. "We are working with a special product in the mangroves; it is not the same one we use in the city. This work is done in conjunction with the state government," he detailed.

Furthermore, he highlighted that attention is prioritized for the most vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and patients at health centers, through the distribution of repellents in schools and support for nursing homes. "We are distributing repellent packages in schools so all students can protect themselves," he added.

Marsh Mosquitoes Identified as Primary Cause of Phenomenon

According to the Yucatán Ministry of Health, the current plague is primarily due to environmental conditions derived from recent rains, high temperatures, and the accumulation of water in patios, sewers, and wetlands.

The predominant mosquito is the Aedes taeniorhynchus, known as the marsh mosquito or black saltmarsh mosquito, a species typical of coastal ecosystems that, carried by winds and humidity, has moved inland into the state. Although it does not transmit diseases like dengue or zika, its bite is aggressive and its proliferation has been unusual.

Researchers have also warned about the possible presence of Aedes vittatus, an invasive species detected in Tixkokob, with the capacity to transmit diseases such as dengue, zika, and chikungunya, although the finding is still under analysis.

Operations and Citizen Participation

The State Government maintains a special fumigation operation, with more than 300 brigade members and 40 spray units, covering neighborhoods, commissaries, and municipalities most affected.

Authorities insist that fumigation must be complemented by citizen collaboration, through cleaning patios, emptying water-filled containers, and using repellents and mosquito nets.

Local entomologists indicated that this type of invasion is not new, but is becoming more frequent due to climate change, urbanization in wetland areas, and the alteration of coastal ecosystems. "The marsh mosquito is part of the natural fauna of the coast, but when winds change or their habitats are destroyed, they seek refuge inland," explained specialists.

Meanwhile, state and municipal authorities continue entomological monitoring and preventive actions to prevent this phenomenon from leading to disease outbreaks.