Government presents National Plan Against Dengue due to increasing risk in Mexico.

This morning, the federal Undersecretary of Health, Dr. Ramiro Elizalde, announced the National Plan for Dengue Control, an initiative aimed at comprehensively addressing vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and yellow fever. This announcement is particularly relevant given the approaching rainy season and the increase in temperatures, which favor the proliferation of mosquitoes and ticks. During the presentation, Elizalde emphasized that dengue, particularly serotype 3, poses a significant risk to public health in Mexico. He warned that individuals who have already contracted dengue are not immune to other serotypes and that a new infection could result in severe dengue, with potentially life-threatening complications. The insidious threat of dengue manifests in severe symptoms, including high fever, headache, eye and bone pain, as well as rashes and, in extreme cases, abdominal problems and bleeding. The undersecretary stressed the importance of the population being informed about the symptoms and appropriate treatment. He recommends that anyone showing signs of the disease seek medical attention promptly. It is crucial to avoid self-medication, especially with medications like aspirin or naproxen, which can worsen the situation. Instead, hydration and the use of pain relievers such as acetaminophen and dipyrone are advised. The global dengue situation is alarming. Currently, it is estimated that more than 14 million people are diagnosed with this disease, and in the Americas, over 90% of cases are concentrated in Mexico, which ranks third among the most affected countries. The states with the highest prevalence of dengue are Jalisco, Nuevo León, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Veracruz, highlighting the need for a preventive and coordinated approach. The Annual Dengue Control Plan will be implemented in several phases starting in February or March, with the distribution of insecticides and larvicides, culminating in the release of mosquitoes infected with a bacteria that could help control the population of disease-transmitting mosquitoes. This innovative approach is part of a broader strategy to contain the epidemic and protect the population. In parallel to this initiative, the undersecretary also mentioned the "Ver Por México" program, which aims to combat blindness caused by cataracts, a condition affecting approximately 760,000 people in the country. This strategy has enabled nearly 40,000 surgeries since its inception and extends to 176 hospitals nationwide, providing access to free interventions. Elizalde explained that cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness and emphasized that many people cannot access treatment due to economic factors and the lack of adequate health services. With the digital platform launched for this purpose, it is hoped that requests will be facilitated and surgical procedures distributed equitably across the country. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who was also present at the presentation, reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to ensuring access to health for all Mexicans. She urged the population to use the platform cataratas.atdt.gob.mx to request information and medical attention. Both initiatives are a clear response to public health needs in the country and reflect the proactive approach of the government to tackle critical issues such as dengue and cataract-induced blindness. Collaboration between health authorities and the community will be essential to achieve a significant impact and improve the quality of life for Mexicans.