### First Case of Monkeypox Reported in Los Cabos: Health Officials Confirm it’s Not a High-Risk Variant
Authorities from the Baja California Sur Health Department (SSABCS) have reported the first case of monkeypox in Los Cabos for 2024. The patient is a 26-year-old man, who is currently under home isolation. Officials emphasized that the patient is experiencing a mild form of the viral illness, and it is not considered serious.
This case marks the seventh monkeypox diagnosis registered in Baja California Sur over the past two years. In 2022, three cases were reported, followed by three more in 2023. All previous patients also managed to recover at home without requiring hospitalization.
The SSABCS clarified that the recently confirmed case aligns with the virus strain that has been circulating in Mexico since 2022. Additionally, they reassured the public that this strain is different from the variant that led to the World Health Organization’s recent public health emergency declaration due to the increase in cases in Africa.
Dr. Zazil Flores Aldape, head of SSABCS, noted that the patient is under continuous medical supervision, which reflects the effectiveness of active epidemiological surveillance in Baja California Sur. State officials had already activated epidemiological surveillance protocols to identify any potential monkeypox cases weeks ago.
Ana Luisa Guluarte, Director of Health Services at SSABCS, mentioned that since the initiation of monitoring and health barriers between 2022 and 2024, the state has reported a total of 55 probable cases. When a monkeypox case is suspected, it is reported to the SSABCS Epidemiology Subdirectorate and subsequently, a PCR sample is sent to the Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos (InDRE).
“We are actively monitoring because Baja California Sur is a tourist state that receives a significant number of visitors from other regions and countries,” Guluarte explained.
Dr. Flores Aldape concluded that medical personnel are well-prepared to follow the necessary procedures for managing potential monkeypox cases. She reminded the public that monkeypox presents with various symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle and back pain, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes, lasting between two to three weeks. Transmission occurs primarily through close contact with an infected person’s lesions or body fluids, including during sexual activity and respiratory droplets, as well as through contact with contaminated objects like clothing and bedding.
#### Secondary Article: Rising Concern as More Monkeypox Cases Detected
As the situation develops, health officials remain on high alert following the detection of four additional monkeypox cases in Baja California Sur. The active surveillance system has been effective in identifying these cases promptly, ensuring timely isolation and medical follow-ups. Authorities stress the importance of public awareness and the need for continued adherence to safety protocols, especially in high-tourism areas. The international community closely watches this development, given the global implications of disease spread in interconnected world regions. Stay informed on TJGringo.com for ongoing updates.