### Dengue Cases Double in Metropolitan Areas of Tijuana-Tecate-Rosarito
The number of dengue cases detected in the metropolitan areas of Tijuana, Tecate, and Rosarito has more than doubled compared to last year, according to Dr. Eduardo Altamirano, Coordinator of Zoonosis and Vectors of the Jurisdiction Number 2. Between January and now, 65 to 68 cases have been reported, whereas, in the whole of last year, only 30 cases were recorded.
Dr. Altamirano emphasized that these are imported cases, meaning that residents have contracted dengue while visiting other states in the country and returned with symptoms. “This disease cannot be transmitted from person to person; you need to be bitten by an Aedes aegypti mosquito, commonly known as ‘zancudo’,” he explained.
Despite this, precautions remain a high priority, as mosquitoes can bite an infected person and subsequently infect up to 10 other individuals, thereby creating a transmission chain. Upon confirmation of a dengue case, health authorities conduct fumigation in and around the infected person’s residence.
The jurisdiction is equipped with 1,018 ovitraps to capture mosquito eggs and applies insecticides in water containers exceeding 100 liters as part of their mosquito control efforts.
To prevent local outbreaks, authorities encourage residents to avoid leaving open containers of standing water, which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Symptoms of dengue include intense pain behind the eyes and joint pains, which can easily be mistaken for common respiratory infections or even COVID-19.
Currently, there are no recorded fatalities from dengue in Baja California, but the illness can significantly disrupt daily activities. The recommended treatments are rest and paracetamol, as no specific medication or antibiotics are available for dengue.
Eduardo Altamirano advised not to leave open containers of water and to consistently change the water in pet bowls and plant trays every three to four days to prevent mosquito breeding.
### Secondary Article: Dengue Concerns Rise in Baja California Amid Increasing Cases
Recent years have shown an alarming rise in dengue cases across Baja California, drawing attention to public health strategies. For instance, a significant outbreak occurred in San Felipe last December with around 60 local cases. This reinforced the fact that mosquitoes can adapt to colder seasons, not just warm weather.
Health authorities in Baja California stress the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis to curb potential outbreaks. Early detection remains a challenge, often due to late medical consultations. Fumigation and entomological studies in the infected areas help control mosquito populations.
There is also heightened awareness about preventive measures. Community outreach programs emphasize avoiding water stagnation in containers, which serve as primary breeding sites. Such efforts aim to prevent future dengue outbreaks and minimize the use of insecticides, which pose environmental hazards.
Baja California’s health department remains vigilant, prepared to act swiftly upon any probable cases to prevent the spread of dengue and protect public health.