Translated by Jesús Ronquillo / Circuito Frontera
Ciudad Juárez, and the individual in general, experienced an increase in Covid-19 cases, according to experts from the College of Physicians, as well as in private practices is where it has been most noticeable, as the number of cases increased by up to 300 percent.
The Secretary of Health of the State Government confirmed 887 cases in the entity, during the period from August 30 to September 20, 2023.
In particular, epidemiological week 36 has registered 302 cases with initial symptoms, reflecting a 45.2 percent increase compared to the previous week (epidemiological week 35).
Despite this increase, deaths have decreased, as well as a change in the severity of the disease due to vaccination.
Up To date, hospitals report no hospital admissions due to complications from Covid-19, suggesting that the vaccines have had a positive impact in reducing the severity of infections, the health sector stated.
This increase in cases is attributed in part to activities related to the holiday period, as well as to the temperature variations experienced in recent weeks.
In this regard, Dr. Alonso Rios Delgado, president of the Medical College of Ciudad Juárez, said that the increase of Covid-19 cases in Ciudad Juárez is essentially linked to an increase in the neighboring American Union.
This interconnectedness underscores the need to address the pandemic in a coordinated manner between the two regions, just as it is essential to recognize that health management in Ciudad Juárez is diverse and varies between the public and private sectors.
The specialist explained that this is not a new infection, but rather the appearance of additional respiratory viruses in addition to the increase in Coronavirus cases. In some cases, an increase of 300 percent in consultations for respiratory diseases has been observed.
One of the worrying aspects is the impact on education, as he mentioned that there has been an increase in cases among students, especially in classrooms where there has been an variety of people. This has led to school absences with rates of up to 50 percent of students affected by respiratory illnesses.
He pointed out that approximately 70 percent of the population that goes to the health sector does so through private medical services.
Doctors’ offices and hospitals face a particular situation, since in addition to Covid-19, the presence of other respiratory viruses has been detected, which adds to the complexity of the situation.
Ríos Delgado emphasized the importance of getting tested for Covid-19, especially within the first five days of presenting symptoms, when the rapid test is more reliable.
Currently, the rapid test is the most commonly performed test, but it is important to keep in mind that after seven days of symptoms, false negatives are possible. Therefore, early detection is key to controlling the spread, he added.
Regarding the number of private clinics in Ciudad Juárez, the physician indicated that they are available in a wide variety of locations, including residential subdivisions and pharmacies.
Accessibility to private medical care is related to the economic capacity of the population and can vary widely. Ease of access is also related to the type of test performed; rapid tests are available in many private practices.
He expressed that, despite the availability of the public health sector, many people opt for private medical care because of the speed and convenience it offers. This is especially evident in a place like Ciudad Juárez, where the capacity of public hospitals may be limited.
RECOMMENDATIONS
State authorities announced that, despite the improvement in the severity of the cases, it is important to remember that the disease can still be complicated for some people, so vigilance is urged for any respiratory condition.
The State Health Secretary called on citizens to continue practicing preventive measures in all their daily activities. This includes the mandatory use of masks for those who present symptoms of respiratory infection, regardless of where they are.
Likewise, the importance of maintaining frequent hand hygiene, applying antibacterial gel and maintaining the cleanliness of common areas is emphasized. It is recommended to give air to enclosed spaces and follow respiratory manner measures when coughing or sneezing.
As part of the protective measures, the population is urged to go to the health units to receive the booster of the vaccine against Covid-19 or, if necessary, to start the vaccination schedule. Vaccination continues to be a fundamental tool to contain the spread of the virus and reduce its impact.
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, adequate hydration with water and physical exercise are recommended. In addition, citizens are advised to go to health units for regular medical evaluations of their health status.
It is crucial that anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms seek medical attention and undergo a diagnostic test to confirm or rule out the presence of the virus.
And, in the event of a positive result, it is essential to follow medical advice and remain in isolation for the prescribed period of time to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
