Rickettsiosis Mortality Rate Reaches 44% in Ciudad Juárez Amidst Rising Cases
Ciudad Juárez, May 12, 2026 – The mortality rate for rickettsiosis in Ciudad Juárez has reached over 44%, with confirmed cases more than doubling compared to last year. Rogelio Covarrubias, Director of Health District II, confirmed the availability of medication while highlighting the multifactorial nature of the disease and stressing the importance of basic sanitation.
According to Covarrubias, the mortality rate after contracting rickettsiosis in Ciudad Juárez is alarmingly high, exceeding 44 percent. This announcement comes amid a significant increase in confirmed cases across the state of Chihuahua, with Ciudad Juárez bearing the brunt of the outbreak.
Medication Availability Confirmed Amidst Concerns
Recent days have seen concerns raised regarding a potential shortage of medication to treat rickettsiosis. However, Dr. Covarrubias clarified that there are sufficient oral medications available to treat the disease. He did acknowledge a slight challenge in acquiring the injectable form of the treatment.
Dramatic Increase in Cases
A comparison of figures between 2025 and 2026 reveals a stark increase in rickettsiosis cases. From January to April of last year, the entire state of Chihuahua recorded 23 confirmed cases. In the same period this year, that number has surged to 49, representing an increase of over 100 percent.
Of these 49 confirmed cases in Chihuahua, 29 have occurred in Ciudad Juárez, meaning the border city accounts for 59 percent of the total state cases. Furthermore, out of 22 deaths recorded statewide, 13 were in Ciudad Juárez, bringing the mortality index for both the entity and the border city to 44.8 percent.
Multifactorial Problem Requires Community Effort
Dr. Covarrubias emphasized that rickettsiosis is a multifactorial problem closely linked to basic sanitation. He urged residents to avoid accumulating wood, junk, or unused furniture in their homes. He also stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership and avoiding contact with unkempt animals, particularly dogs, which are known carriers of ticks.
Regarding tick fumigations, Covarrubias confirmed their effectiveness but highlighted the necessity of performing three treatments at each residence, with a 21-day interval between each application, for optimal results.
Shifting Demographics of Affected Population
Initially, it was believed that children were the most vulnerable population to rickettsiosis. However, Dr. Covarrubias noted a shift in demographics, with the majority of cases now being identified in young adults between the ages of 25 and 44.
Ongoing Efforts and Related Concerns
This surge in rickettsiosis cases underscores the ongoing public health challenges in Ciudad Juárez. The city is also grappling with other health-related issues, including a high prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases among municipal employees, with 70% affected. The municipality allocates 485 million pesos to healthcare, but hypertension, diabetes, and non-adherence to treatments continue to strain the medical system for 21,500 beneficiaries.
The local health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and implement measures to control the spread of rickettsiosis and mitigate its impact on the community.
Source: https://nortedigital.mx/mortalidad-por-rickettsiosis-llega-al-44-en-juarez/
