Quintana Roo confirmed its first case of chikungunya in 2026, indicating that the virus continues to circulate actively in the region, following an increase in cases in the last months of 2025.
This first confirmed case in the state, reported by the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of the Federal Government’s Ministry of Health, reinforces the health alert in the region. Although the number of infections registered in January is low, health authorities warn that early detection is important to prevent larger outbreaks.
So far, Quintana Roo is the only state on the peninsula that has reported cases of chikungunya in these first weeks of the year. Along with Chiapas, which has registered four cases to date, the state ranks second nationally in active cases.
Throughout 2025, the Yucatán Peninsula accumulated 13 confirmed cases of chikungunya, one of the highest figures recorded in more than seven years, according to the Federal Epidemiological Surveillance Report. Of that total, 12 corresponded to Quintana Roo and one to Yucatán, placing the region among the most affected in the country.
Specialists point out that, although the absolute number may seem small, these records reflect active transmission, the constant presence of the vector, and environmental conditions favorable for its reproduction—factors that should not be underestimated.
Given the increase in cases, health authorities in Quintana Roo reported that they are maintaining permanent operations to control the transmitting mosquito. Melchor Ojeda, head of the vector control area for Health Jurisdiction 2, explained that brigades are carrying out thermal fogging in neighborhoods at higher risk.
“We are carrying out thermal fogging in the areas with the highest risk of the presence of the transmitting mosquito. We have these neighborhoods well identified,” he said.
Furthermore, he highlighted the implementation of programs in schools to train staff in cleaning facilities and eliminating breeding grounds.
“We continue to implement programs within schools, training staff, then monitoring to ensure they are free of breeding grounds and recognizing them for their work. This is how we combine efforts to combat the mosquito,” he explained.
According to federal data, the highest concentration of the mosquito is in the northern and central parts of the state, particularly in municipalities such as Cozumel, Lázaro Cárdenas, and Solidaridad.
The behavior of chikungunya in Quintana Roo is part of a national trend. Nationwide, the Ministry of Health reported a 1,600 percent increase compared to the previous year, when no active cases were registered.
This percentage increase reflects that chikungunya, which had minimal circulation in recent years, has become active again, representing a risk of expansion if mosquito control measures and community prevention efforts are not strengthened.
Symptoms
Sudden fever
Intense joint pain
Prolonged joint swelling
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Skin rashes
Recommendations
Do not self-medicate
See a doctor if you experience symptoms
Use insect repellent
Install mosquito nets
Eliminate standing water
Keep patios and rooftops clean
Participate in community campaigns
Source: laverdadnoticias
