The Chihuahua State Health Department reported that from January 1 to March 22, 2026, five deaths due to rickettsiosis were recorded in the state: three in Chihuahua City and two in Ciudad Juárez.
As for confirmed cases, 19 were registered. These cases occurred in the municipalities of Chihuahua and Aquiles Serdán, with five each; Ciudad Juárez with eight; and Meoqui with one.
The deaths were recorded in the following age groups: 1 to 4 years, 15 to 24 years, 25 to 64 years (with one case per age group), and 25 to 44 years (with two deaths), according to Rogelio Covarrubias, head of Health District 2 Juárez.
Advertisement
Dr. Gumaro Barrios, Deputy Director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Health, emphasized focusing on three aspects: personal care, pet care, and cleanliness.
He explained that it is important to check for attached ticks, and if you have dogs and cats at home, you should take responsibility for taking them to the veterinarian to receive medication and vaccinations.
“Remember that dogs act as a form of protection for us because we frequently see ticks attached to our skin. Therefore, dogs are a barrier for us, and we must take good care of them,” he commented.
He pointed out that ticks live in grass, as well as door and window frames, and when the parasite is hungry, it drops down to look for food, either on a dog or a human. Therefore, cutting weeds and cleaning the home are important preventative measures, as is fumigation. “These measures are very important to reduce the incidence of rickettsiosis.”
Advertisement
He commented that, in conjunction with the Municipality, fumigation is carried out in areas where cases are identified, which has helped to reduce the incidence.
Covarrubias indicated that in addition to these actions, there is epidemiological surveillance, as well as monthly meetings to discuss the issue, ongoing medical education, and prevention efforts by the Directorate of Animal Care and Welfare (DABA).
Source: diario
