# Rise in Monkeypox Cases in Baja California Sur: A Total of 24 Reported
As of November 2024, Baja California Sur is experiencing an increase in monkeypox cases, now totaling 24 infections across the region. Alfredo Ojeda Garmendia, the Deputy Director of Epidemiology at the Secretariat of Health in Baja California Sur (SSABCS), has confirmed this rise in infections, which are medically referred to as MPOX.
This year marks a notable increase in reported cases, with the first case of 2024 being documented in August. Since then, SSABCS has recorded 18 individuals affected by monkeypox. The breakdown of these cases is as follows: 13 in Los Cabos, three in La Paz, and one each in Comondú and Loreto.
Health authorities have noted that many of those infected had traveled to other parts of Mexico, suggesting that travel may play a role in the spread. Monkeypox is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans and between humans, according to Ojeda Garmendia.
Previously, during 2022 and 2023, Baja California Sur confirmed six cases of monkeypox—four in La Paz and two in Los Cabos. The total number of cases over the past two years is 24, distributed as 15 in Los Cabos, seven in La Paz, one in Comondú, and one in Loreto.
The World Health Organization had declared a global emergency for monkeypox in 2022. This international concern led to an emergency state in the region, which was concluded by 2023 after dealing with six cases during the period. However, in 2024, a new variant of the virus, reportedly more transmissible, emerged in Africa. So far, this variant has not been detected in Baja California Sur or Mexico.
The symptoms of monkeypox include skin lesions and rashes, such as blisters and bumps, especially on the extremities, face, mouth, and genitals. Early symptoms also include headaches, fever, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
Compared to COVID-19, monkeypox is considerably less contagious. Ojeda noted that one infected person might transmit the virus to two others, while the transmission rate for coronavirus was significantly higher.
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# Expert Insight: Monkeypox in 2024
In 2024, health experts are closely monitoring monkeypox due to the emergence of a new, more easily transmissible variant in Africa. Despite this, no cases of this variant have yet been reported in Mexico, according to health officials.
Globally, health organizations emphasize the importance of preventive measures, advising people to maintain hygiene practices and refrain from contact with those showing symptoms. Public health campaigns continue to educate citizens about the monkeypox virus, its symptoms, and methods of prevention.
As health authorities in Baja California Sur continue to handle the current situation, they remain vigilant, ensuring that the public is both informed and safe. Through continued efforts in monitoring and communication, authorities aim to keep the spread of monkeypox under control and prevent a more significant outbreak as seen earlier in the decade.