The Ministry of Health has reported six new cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, during the penultimate week of August, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 61 for the year. The new cases were detected between August 18 and 24, during the 34th epidemiological week of 2024.
According to the federal agency, three of the new cases were reported in Mexico City, two in Sonora, and one in Veracruz. This adds to the ongoing spread of the virus across different regions of Mexico, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and public health measures.
The Ministry of Health’s data indicates that of the 61 cases recorded so far this year, 58 have occurred in men, while the remaining three cases have been confirmed in women. This gender disparity in reported cases is consistent with global trends observed since the outbreak of mpox began gaining international attention.
Earlier in August, the Ministry of Health expressed concern over the rising number of mpox cases, particularly in Africa and the Republic of Congo. In response, the National Committee for Epidemiological Surveillance (Conave) issued an epidemiological notice aimed at enhancing monitoring and reporting of probable cases in medical units nationwide. The objective is to reduce the chains of transmission as much as possible through prompt identification and isolation of cases.
In its recent statement, the Ministry of Health confirmed that, to date, Mexico has not recorded any cases of the new clade “1b” variant of mpox, which the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared an international public health emergency. The WHO’s designation underscores the potential global threat posed by this new variant, which has yet to make its way to Mexican shores.
The WHO has also highlighted that the current outbreaks of mpox are driven by different variants of the virus. Among these, the clade “I” variant has been identified as a significant concern due to its association with sustained transmission and its impact on a higher age range of the population.
The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and to follow recommended health guidelines to prevent the spread of mpox. Health authorities emphasize the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms consistent with mpox appear, which include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
