Mexico reports rising fentanyl-related hospitalizations across multiple states

Mexico recorded a total of 168 hospitalisations for fentanyl intoxication over the past three years, averaging about five cases per month. The first reporting period (June 2023 – December 2024) accounted for 92 emergency visits and admissions, while the second period (January 2025 – May 2026) added 76 cases.

The highest concentrations were in Sinaloa (38 cases in the first period, 32 in the second) and Baja California (22 then four). The capital, Mexico City, saw its tally rise from five to fifteen cases. Additional cases were reported in Michoacán, Jalisco, Yucatán, Guanajuato, the State of Mexico, Quintana Roo, Morelos, Sonora, Oaxaca, Chiapas and San Luis Potosí.

Causes were classified as intentional/autoinfligated consumption (29 cases), accidental/non‑intentional (23), pending investigation (14), adverse reactions (9) and a single third‑party aggression involving an infant in Tijuana. Age groups most affected were 30‑49 years (41% of cases) followed by 16‑29 years (29%).

Researcher Isaías Pablo Torrentino of the civil‑rights group Elementa DDHH notes that the data are nascent and do not differentiate between licit and illicit fentanyl. He highlights cross‑border drug use linked to the U.S. opioid crisis and barriers that people who use drugs face in accessing health services, including fear of police harassment.