Sinaloa reports 32 rickettsiosis cases and eight deaths

Sinaloa health authorities have reported 32 confirmed cases of rickettsiosis and eight deaths so far this year. State Health Secretary Cuitláhuac González Galindo noted that the disease is highly aggressive and is often detected by exclusion when patients are initially evaluated for suspected dengue.

Fatalities have been concentrated in the southern area of Culiacán, with additional deaths recorded in the municipalities of Guasave and El Fuerte. The primary cause of infection is ticks found on uncontrolled dogs and cats roaming streets and yards.

Health officials urge the population to adopt preventive measures, including frequent pet bathing, deworming, and yard fumigation. Because symptoms such as fever and headache can be confused with other illnesses, timely medical attention is critical to prevent mortality.