Mexican health authorities warn of increased tick-borne infections and deaths in Chihuahua. Preventive measures and heightened awareness are crucial as 16 fatalities are reported this year.
Bollywood Fever: Mexican health authorities have issued a warning amid a surge in infections and deaths caused by tick bites in the northern state of Chihuahua. This year, health figures indicate that 16 people have died from rickettsia in the state.
Eight of the 10 tick-borne illness cases in Ciudad Juárez, the border city across from El Paso, Texas, resulted in fatalities. Chihuahua City, the state capital, has reported 18 cases, including six deaths. The municipalities of Aquiles Serdán and Meoqui each reported one infection, both of which were fatal.
One of the most recent cases involves four-year-old Yahir Rivera, who is currently hospitalized at a government-run hospital in Ciudad Juárez. Rivera was diagnosed with rickettsiosis after being bitten by a tick, and friends and family have turned to Facebook seeking blood donors for him.
Gumaro Barrios, deputy director of the Chihuahua State Health Department, held a press conference Tuesday to emphasize the importance of “personal care, pet care, and home cleaning” to prevent tick bites. “The person has to pay a lot of attention to hygiene, the permanent inspection to check that there are no ticks attached,” Barrios explained, noting that residents do not necessarily need to be pet owners to attract ticks.
He urged pet owners to ensure their animals are bathed, visit the veterinarian to keep vaccines current, and receive medication to prevent ticks. Barrios also highlighted the need for well-maintained homes, advising residents to cut the grass, remove unused items, clean and patch walls, and spray door and window frames.
“With these simple measures we can also reduce the incidence and very importantly, if we present symptoms, go immediately to our medical facilities,” he said.
The warning from health authorities underscores the critical need for preventive measures and heightened awareness to combat the rise in tick-borne illnesses in Chihuahua.
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