### Significant Rise in Hepatitis A Cases in Los Cabos Compared to 2023
Authorities from the Baja California Sur Health Department (SSABCS) have reported nearly a 100% increase in Hepatitis A cases compared to last year’s figures. According to Alfredo Ojeda Garmendia, the Deputy Director of Epidemiology at SSABCS, over 100 new cases have been detected this year, with Los Cabos being the most affected municipality.
Garmendia specified that out of these reported cases, approximately 90 originated in San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. This is a significant rise from 2023, when the entire state documented only 56 cases of Hepatitis A.
To address this concern, authorities have been closely monitoring the situation in Cabo San Lucas for several months. The peak in incidence was observed during June and July, with an average of five to six cases per week. However, Garmendia noted that there has been a declining trend recently, averaging about two cases per week in August.
Preliminary data suggests that government efforts are beginning to mitigate the outbreak, leading to a gradual improvement in the situation. “We need another month to fully analyze the scenario, but current data indicates a favorable decline in cases over recent weeks,” remarked Garmendia.
He also reminded the public that Hepatitis A is an endemic disease with a high transmission rate and a long incubation period, lasting up to five weeks. One contributing factor to the high number of cases in Los Cabos is the lack of water resources, which directly affects transmission rates.
The Deputy Director emphasized that the outbreak is not yet over and preventive measures must continue. Public health campaigns are actively promoting the use of boiled, chlorinated, or potable water to prevent further spread of the disease.
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### Secondary Article: More Insights into the Increase of Hepatitis A Cases
Recent reports from various health authorities confirm a spike in Hepatitis A cases globally. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted an overall rise in Hepatitis A cases across multiple countries over the past few years. Factors such as poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and insufficient vaccination coverage were cited as significant contributors.
Los Cabos remains a hotspot due to its specific challenges, including inadequate water resources. Health experts urge residents to practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing with clean water, to curb the spread of the virus.
In response to the rising cases, local governments are intensifying their public health campaigns, focusing on education and awareness about prevention measures. These campaigns include distributing informational materials and organizing community health workshops.
Efforts are also being made to improve the region’s water infrastructure to ensure a reliable supply of clean water. The local health department is working in close collaboration with international health organizations to bring additional resources and support to the affected areas.
As the global community continues to tackle the challenge of Hepatitis A, there is a unanimous call for more robust healthcare policies and proactive measures to prevent future outbreaks. Public health officials stress the importance of vaccination, improved sanitation, and continuous monitoring to control the spread of this viral infection.