“Tulum’s War on Mosquito-Borne Diseases Goes Viral!”

The Tulum City Council's Health Department has initiated a comprehensive plan to combat dengue, zika, and chikungunya, following recent bouts of heavy rain. The strategy includes extensive fumigation and thermal fogging in areas most at risk.

Health Director Sonia Vargas Torres reported that the campaign has been active in several communities including Macario Gomez, previously known as Punta Allen, La Antorcha, Colonia 2 de Octubre, and Chemuyil. These areas were selected in response to local requests.

The campaign also targets public spaces, schools, and the outskirts of the city. Torres emphasized the importance of community involvement in prevention efforts, highlighting the role of education in combating vector-borne diseases.

"We need to eliminate waste and remove any water containers that could potentially breed disease vectors. We've found a lot of garbage, and that's what we need to avoid," Torres said.

In Punta Allen, the team has provided larvicide and chlorine pills, and conducted thermal fogging and fumigation as preventive measures.

Despite these efforts, Torres noted that so far, only complaints about mosquito presence have been reported, with no suspected cases of dengue, zika, or chikungunya.

However, the 11 health houses located throughout the municipality remain operational, providing basic medication to those in need. "If any medication is required, it is requested and we make sure it is available," Torres concluded.