COVID-19 Update: Third Wave in Mexico

Mexico is experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 cases. Most cases are reported in younger people, probably because they have the highest exposure and the lowest vaccination rate. Although there has been a significant increase in the number of cases, the growth has not been as marked in hospitalizations or mortality. 

Hugo López-Gatell, Deputy Minister of Health, emphasized in a press conference that during this third wave of contagion, it has been possible to reduce serious illness in the population, particularly those considered at risk such as the elderly. He also pointed out that it has been four weeks since the accelerated increase of cases began.

New infections have now reached figures similar to those recorded in February 2021. As of yesterday, 8,832 new cases were reported, according to Our World in Data. Cumulative deaths from the disease totaled nearly 236,000, while the cumulative number of confirmed cases reached 2.63 million. Meanwhile, the estimated active cases, those who presented symptoms in the last 14 days, reached 75,870, representing a 27 percent increase in the epidemic curve.

López-Gatell explained that, although there is an increase in cases, there has not been the same increase in hospitalization, which is a positive consequence of having the population vaccinated. The inoculation plan is linked to hospitalizations and deaths, which have reduced by over 75 percent, he added.

In this regard, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador emphasized that at this moment, there is a reduction in the number of deaths due to coronavirus. He also stated that while there is this incipient wave of contagions, there are fewer hospitalizations or hospitalized patients and, most important of all, fewer deaths.

The president also asked the young adult population to protect themselves to help stop the epidemic. He explained that infections are occurring more in young people and that "it is also a call for young people to protect themselves, to take care of themselves. But the essence of it all, the main recommendation, is that we all get vaccinated because we will be protecting ourselves." The country has administered 52.7 million doses, providing coverage with at least one dose for 28.5 percent of the population. Regarding full vaccination schedules, 16.5 percent are fully covered.

Epidemiology experts have stated that the delta variant of the coronavirus will not only predominate in Mexico but will predominate worldwide due to its high level of contagion, reports by El Financiero. Contagion could be accentuated because there are no controls at the border or in tourist areas, contributing to the entry of new variants to Mexico.

Experts have also mentioned that the current scenario is becoming more complex due to the infodemic. There has been a negative campaign against vaccines, but the effects and sequelae of COVID-19 are much worse than the adverse effects of vaccines. In any case, hastening vaccination and maintaining social distancing measures, and using masks are the best ways to avoid prolonging the new wave.