Veracruz region reports high concentration of SCA7 genetic disease

The central mountainous region of Veracruz, Mexico, is facing an exceptional concentration of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7), a rare and progressive hereditary genetic disease. The GENES Latinoamérica Foundation has identified 383 symptomatic patients in the area, a figure significantly higher than the 172 cases documented through a scientific protocol between 2013 and 2024.

The highest prevalence is located in the municipality of Tlaltetela, where studies show up to 1,301 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Medical director Rocío Luna described the situation as a ‘foco rojo’ (red flag) due to the extreme difference between these figures and the global frequency of the disease. Other affected municipalities include Tuzamapan, Cosautlán, Coatepec, Teocelo, Naolinco, and Xalapa.

SCA7 is an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning a carrier has a 50 percent chance of passing the mutation to each child. The disease primarily affects coordination and balance, but is also characterized by retinal degeneration that can lead to blindness. As it progresses, patients may experience difficulties walking, speaking, and swallowing, eventually leading to total dependency.

Researchers from the Universidad Veracruzana (UV) have studied this concentration for years, suggesting that the high incidence may be linked to genetic transmission within a relatively small population.