Yucatán HIV Cases Double in 2025, Young Adults Most Affected

Yucatán, Mexico — Health authorities and advocacy groups have raised concerns after 28 new HIV cases were detected in Yucatán in the first six months of 2025, equaling the total number reported for all of 2024. The Network of People Affected by HIV (Repavih), which has been tracking the data, warns of a rising trend, particularly among the state’s younger population.

Shift in Demographics and Rising Infections

Repavih noted that while initial declines in cases were attributed to the expansion of specialized HIV testing clinics, infections have since rebounded. Projections suggest more than 50 new cases by the end of 2025, nearly double last year’s count.

A significant epidemiological shift has been observed, with the majority of recent cases occurring in individuals under 30, including women. Historically concentrated among homosexual men, HIV is now spreading more widely, leading to increased infections in the heterosexual population.

Concurrent Rise in Syphilis Cases

In addition to HIV, health officials reported 40 cases of syphilis in the same six-month period, signaling a broader increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Lack of Awareness and Prevention Efforts

Specialists cite insufficient awareness and education about contraceptive and protective methods as a key factor driving the surge. They emphasize that addressing the issue requires collaboration between the health and education sectors, particularly in promoting sexual and reproductive health awareness at higher education levels.

According to Repavih, many university students lack knowledge about preventive measures such as the female condom, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV), and STI detection.

Calls for Stronger Public Health Measures

The association has urged authorities to intensify efforts to promote condom use, expand STI testing in educational settings, and bolster public awareness campaigns targeting the general population.