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Emergence Of Monkeypox Sparks Fresh Concern For Future Pandemics
The Cancun and greater Quintana Roo health systems are ready for future pandemic situations, according to the State Secretary of Health (SESA). The statement was made in response to the recent emergence of monkeypox across the globe.
Speaking on behalf of SESA, Secretary of Health for Quintana Roo Alejandra Aguirre Crespo explained that the state is actively monitoring several diseases both within the state and across the world. According to Crespo, 147 diseases are under epidemiological surveillance, including Covid, rubella, measles, zika, and dengue fever.
SESA continually monitors the situations in other countries, including the most recent outbreak of monkeypox, and invested thousands of dollars in ensuring that the state is prepared to respond immediately in the worst-case scenario.
The COVID pandemic drastically changed the landscape of epidemiology, and most countries have significantly adapted their health protocols to cope with any sudden outbreak. In the past, many governments were reluctant to invest the vast sums of money required to mount a successful response. The realities of the last two years have shifted that mentality to a far more preventative stance, with Quintana Roo no exception.
The approaching hurricane season is a cause for concern on multiple fronts, including the potential for disease. When an area faces high levels of damage from natural disasters like hurricanes, power can be out for weeks, flooding can breed disease, and the abandonment of other safety protocols can make spread far easier. Quintana Roo is potentially facing as many as nine hurricanes this season after weather monitoring systems registered the weather pattern La Niña gaining traction.
The reemergence of monkeypox is receiving significant coverage across the world, most likely due to its proximity to the Covid pandemic. Cases are still extremely low despite its presence in at least sixteen countries.
The disease is currently believed only to be transmitted with extremely close extended contact and mainly through bodily fluids. Current theories suggest the spread’s roots can be traced to sexual intercourse at several European music festivals. The majority of the cases have been gay or bisexual men, although not exclusively.
Currently, no cases of monkeypox have been reported in Mexico, although the government has released health warnings advising citizens to take increased care. Towns like Cancun and Tulum are viewed as high risk in potential pandemic situations due to high rates of alcohol consumption and a more relaxed mentality than tourists would normally display at home.
Quintana Roo Governor Carlos Joaquin pleaded once again with the state to engage in healthy practices that can help keep the spread of covid and other diseases, mentioning hand washing, social distancing, and the use of masks in closed public spaces.
Joaquin and SESA stressed to television, radio, and other news platforms to ensure that any information provided is as up-to-date as possible and taken from reputable sources. Misinformation was a severe problem throughout the Covid pandemic.
It should be noted that Quintana Roo has removed the mandatory use of masks and other protocols in public. Their use is still encouraged across the state, but no one will be forced to do so unless the private entity chooses to enforce its own rules. The ADO bus stations and Cancun airport, for example, have both continued with the mandatory use of masks while on the premises.
Tourists visiting Cancun should make themselves aware of any potential health threats before departing to ensure no disappointment and avoid any potential risks. It is doubtful that monkeypox will cause any disruptions to travel in the near future. WHO and other health authorities are treating the disease with a higher degree of respect in light of Covid, not necessarily because it’s spreading at an alarming rate.
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