Ciudad Juarez to Host Second Binational Forum on Rickettsia Prevention
Ciudad Juarez, February 6 – Ciudad Juarez is set to host the Second Binational Forum for Rickettsia Prevention, as announced by City Councilwoman Fernanda Ávalos Medina (PVEM), coordinator of the Ecology and Civil Protection Commission of the City Council. The event aims to bring together authorities and specialists from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to bolster efforts in preventing and ensuring the timely detection of this preventable disease, which continues to pose a significant risk to public health.
Key Participants and Objectives
The forum will feature experts from the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CENAPRECE), alongside representatives from the State Government, Health Jurisdiction District II, the Government of New Mexico, El Paso County, the City of El Paso, and the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez (UACJ).
Councilwoman Ávalos Medina stated that the Second Binational Forum for Rickettsia Prevention is scheduled for Thursday, February 19, at the Auditorium of the National Center of Engineers and Architects, A.C. (CEPIA).
“It is an honor for me that our city welcomes our sister cities, and that we can work together, sharing strategies and experiences to protect the health of children, adolescents, adults, and also our companion animals,” she expressed. Special invitations will be extended to representatives from the health and education sectors, the veterinary community, and the general public.
“This binational effort is fundamental to addressing a public health problem that requires inter-institutional coordination, co-responsibility, and effective preventive actions,” she emphasized.
Confirmed Speakers and Program Details
Among the confirmed speakers is Verónica Gutiérrez Cedillo, Deputy Director of Rabies and other Zoonoses at CENAPRECE, who will participate in the forum’s activities. Councilwoman Ávalos Medina further mentioned that the official program and presentations for the event will be announced in the coming days.
Progress Since the First Forum
Ávalos Medina highlighted that as a result of the first forum held in 2025, Ciudad Juarez significantly enhanced its prevention and treatment actions against the disease caused by ticks infected with the bacteria. She noted that, as part of the fight against this public health threat, the Municipality increased its budget allocated for these actions from 800,000 pesos to 1.5 million pesos in 2026, specifically for the fumigation of hundreds of Juarez families’ homes.
Furthermore, within the framework of binational collaboration, El Paso County donated 600 anti-tick pipettes, which were applied in the southeast of Ciudad Juarez, an area with the highest concentration of transmission cases. Veterinary doctors from the UACJ also administered this medication as part of a comprehensive strategy, recognizing that public health issues transcend borders but are preventable.
Related Context and Previous Incidents
This initiative comes as rickettsiosis continues to be a serious concern in the region. Related content from Norte Digital includes reports on:
- The reactivation of the Ecology campaign for tick fumigations, with visits to various city zones starting next Tuesday.
- The capital of the state leading in rickettsiosis tragedies, with 44 deaths reported so far in 2025.
- The confirmation by health authorities that a young girl, Zafiro, from Los Kilómetros area, died from a tick-borne infection, one of 14 deaths recorded in Juarez during 2025.
- A call from health officials to citizens to combat rickettsia through home cleanliness and pet care, without announcing new official actions.
Impact and Future Outlook
The forum underscores the ongoing commitment of both Mexican and U.S. authorities to address rickettsia as a shared public health challenge. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, the event aims to reduce the incidence of the disease and protect the well-being of communities on both sides of the border. The increased budget allocation and binational support demonstrate a proactive approach to a problem that requires sustained attention and coordinated efforts.
Source: https://nortedigital.mx/rickettsia-un-reto-sin-fronteras-juarez-sera-sede-de-foro-binacional/
