In the country, as in other Latin American countries, in the summer there are environmental factors that favor the transmission and spread of vector-borne diseases (VTB). The federal government estimates that in at least 60% of the country there are conditions for the spread of this type of disease caused by a living agent, such as insects.
Globally, VTEs cause 700,000 deaths each year due to parasites, bacteria or viruses, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with the highest number of cases occurring in tropical or subtropical areas.
“In this sense, the use of tests for the timely detection of antigens or antibodies that cause vector-borne diseases can be crucial for the correct diagnosis and treatment of the patient, as well as epidemiological control, since these conditions account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases,” says Paulina Mejia. , Pharmaceutical Chemist Biologist (QFB) at Kabla, a leading company in the distribution of diagnostic tests.
There are five major disease vectors in the country that pose a public health problem, Kabla said.
1. Dengue
It is considered the state with the highest number of cases in various regions of the country, mainly during the rainy season. This disease, which is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is also known as “bone fracture fever” and more than 3,800 cases have been reported this year alone, three times more than in 2022, according to the ministry. health.
2.Zika
Although the number of cases is lower compared to dengue fever, its consequences are more deadly. The Pan American Health Organization estimates that more than 8,700 cases have been reported in Latin America this year. One in four people may develop symptoms ranging from headache and joint pain to conjunctivitis, which occurs 2 to 7 days after being bitten by the Aedes mosquito vector.
3. Chikungunya
This is the third disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the same carriers of dengue fever and Zika virus. In the country, its incidence is lower compared to other disease vectors. The most common symptoms are fever accompanied by joint pain. It is important to point out that there is no vaccine for this condition and treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. According to the Ministry of Health, only 4 cases were registered in the country in 2022.
4. Leishmaniasis
This is a little-known disease caused by the bite of the Lutzomyia mosquito. In the country, this could happen in agricultural areas of 13 states such as Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Guerrero, Jalisco, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Sinaloa, Morelos and Puebla. The disease causes skin lesions, and antibodies can be detected in blood tests.
5. Chagas disease
The disease is transmitted by an insect named Vinchuka, and it is estimated that more than a million people in the country suffer from it without knowing it, as it is a silent condition that affects the heart and neurons, according to reports from UNAM.
“Prevention of vector-borne diseases involves taking a series of measures to reduce contact with insects and control their population, eliminate sources of standing water, use repellents, keep premises clean or, in some cases, vaccinate and conduct detection tests to receive comprehensive care,” – says a specialist from Kabla.