elpais.com
Mexico Reports Tenfold Increase in Pertussis Cases and 51 Deaths in 2025
In Mexico, 51 pertussis deaths have been reported in 2025, compared to zero in 2024's same period, with 978 cases (ten times more than 2024). Infants under six months old represent 96% of fatalities, none of whom were vaccinated; the disease is prevalent in 17 states, with Puebla, Tamaulipas, Jalisco, San Luis Potosí, and Chiapas showing the highest mortality rates.
- What is the immediate impact of the increased pertussis cases in Mexico, focusing on mortality and regional distribution?
- Mexico has reported 51 pertussis deaths in 2025, a stark contrast to zero deaths reported in the same period of 2024. Victims are primarily infants under six months old (96%), and none had prior vaccination. These deaths are spread across 17 states, with Puebla, Tamaulipas, Jalisco, San Luis Potosí, and Chiapas showing the highest mortality rates.
- How does the 2025 pertussis outbreak compare to previous years, considering both case numbers and incidence rates, and what factors contribute to this increase?
- The 2025 pertussis outbreak in Mexico is ten times larger than in 2024, with 978 cases compared to 88 in the same period. This surge follows a period of reduced surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chihuahua and Mexico City are the most affected, with 99 cases each, but Aguascalientes has the highest incidence rate (6.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants).
- What are the long-term implications of the current pertussis outbreak in Mexico, considering the impact on public health infrastructure and the potential for future outbreaks?
- The resurgence of pertussis in Mexico highlights the impact of decreased surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the vulnerability of unvaccinated infants. Continued vaccination efforts, particularly among pregnant women and infants, are crucial to control the outbreak. The high incidence in certain states suggests a need for targeted interventions and resource allocation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the increase in pertussis cases and deaths in a way that emphasizes the severity of the situation, focusing on the number of deaths and the significant increase in cases compared to the previous year. While this is factually accurate, the emphasis on alarming statistics may cause undue fear and panic among the population. The headline (if any) and introduction likely highlight these statistics to attract reader attention.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual, although the repeated emphasis on high numbers of deaths and increased cases could be considered emotionally charged. While not overtly biased, the tone contributes to a sense of alarm. For example, using phrases such as "alarming increase" or "significant rise" could be replaced with more neutral language such as "substantial increase" or "marked rise.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the increase in pertussis cases and deaths in Mexico, but omits discussion of potential contributing factors beyond vaccination rates and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surveillance. It also lacks a comparative analysis of Mexico's pertussis situation relative to other countries besides a brief mention of Peru. This omission prevents a complete understanding of the broader global context and potential influencing factors.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic narrative by focusing primarily on the lack of vaccination as the cause for the increase in pertussis cases and deaths, without fully exploring other potential contributing factors such as genetic predisposition or environmental factors. This oversimplification creates a false dichotomy between vaccination and the disease's spread.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports a significant increase in whooping cough cases and deaths in Mexico in 2025 compared to previous years. This directly impacts SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being, specifically target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and other diseases. The increase in whooping cough cases and deaths indicates a setback in achieving this target. The lack of vaccination among victims highlights the importance of vaccination programs for disease prevention and control.