Yucatán has accumulated 57 cases of tuberculosis so far in 2016, a higher figure than that recorded during the same period last year, when 46 patients were registered.
According to the most recent data, 36 of the cases are men and 21 are women. Furthermore, during the last week of March, seven new cases of respiratory tuberculosis were confirmed, the highest weekly figure so far this year.
Despite the increase, specialists believe that the behavior of the disease is not out of control, since the variations in weekly records are part of epidemiological surveillance.
In previous weeks, the reports had been three, five, and seven cases, which shows normal fluctuations in patient detection.
Alert Issued for Increased Tuberculosis Cases in Yucatán in 2026
The increase in cases represents a 23.9% growth compared to the same period in 2025.
However, Ernesto González Aguirre, a pulmonologist with the Yucatán Health Department, explained that tuberculosis is a disease that is constantly monitored.
The specialist noted that it is normal to observe weeks with variations in the number of detected cases, especially when health authorities reinforce active case finding.
He indicated that when health systems intensify the detection of people with symptoms, it is more likely to find cases that had not previously been diagnosed.
Therefore, he clarified that an increase in the figures does not necessarily mean there is an outbreak or a situation out of control.
Tuberculosis Symptoms and How to Prevent It
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs and is transmitted from person to person through the air.
Among the most frequent symptoms are a persistent cough lasting three weeks or more, chest pain, coughing up blood or phlegm, fever, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and night sweats.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that some people may experience mild symptoms for several months, making it easier for them to transmit the disease unknowingly.
To prevent tuberculosis, health organizations recommend seeing a doctor for a persistent cough, keeping enclosed spaces well-ventilated, and following the prescribed treatments if diagnosed.
They also recommend strengthening early detection in people with risk factors or close contact with infected patients.
People with active tuberculosis can infect others by coughing, sneezing, or talking, as the bacteria travel in small droplets suspended in the air.
Nationally, it is estimated that around 28,000 cases of tuberculosis occur each year.
This confirms that the disease remains prevalent in Mexico and requires ongoing attention from health authorities.
Tuberculosis is among the diseases that continue to be closely monitored due to its transmissibility and the complications it can cause if left untreated.
The Pan American Health Organization has indicated that the Americas region is currently registering its highest levels of cases since the World Health Organization began documenting them.
Source: yucatan
