99 percent of Mexico’s malaria cases are Vivax malaria (a specific protozoal parasite that is the most widely distributed cause of recurring malaria) and is present in Oaxaca and Chiapas. The risk for malaria reemergence is high although it is in the “pre-elimination” phase.

Tulane University

Georgetown University

Malaria, caused by the eukaryotic parasite *Plasmodium* and transmitted through mosquito bites, is a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Severe cases can cause organ failure, blood anomalies, and metabolic abnormalities, which may lead to death, and individuals can experience relapses years after recovery. The disease poses a significant public health and economic burden in endemic regions.

Malaria

Arboviruses: 
- Dengue 
- West Nile

Parasitic Diseases: 
- Malaria
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis 
- Chagas Disease

Bacterial Diseases: 
- Human rickettsialpox 

Zoonotic NTDs: 
- Cysticercosis
- Toxocariasis
- Leptospirosis



List of NTDs Present in Gulf Coast States of Mexico

Hotez, P. J., Bottazzi, M. E., Dumonteil, E., & Buekens, P. (2015). The Gulf of Mexico: A “Hot Zone” for Neglected Tropical Diseases? PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0003481

The Gulf of Mexico: A "Hot Zone" for Neglected Tropical Diseases?

Malaria in the Gulf of Mexico

Global strategies to reduce malaria infections focus on vector control, which includes the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets and the application of pesticides to control mosquito populations.

Malaria Prevention and Control

Malaria vaccine development is a multinational effort involving governments, universities, nonprofits, philanthropists, and pharmaceutical companies to create effective vaccines, such as the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, which in late 2021 became the first malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization for widespread use.

Malaria Vaccine Development

Human rickettsialpox is an important vector-borne bacterial infection in southeastern Mexico; Rickettsia felis has emerged as a flea-borne bacterial infection. 

Human rickettsialpox in the Gulf of Mexico

Dengue is now prevalent in Yucatan and other coastal, tropical areas. All four dengue serotypes are present and incidence rates peaked in 2002, 2007 and 2009.

Dengue in the Gulf of Mexico

West Nile virus has been observed in birds circulating in Mexico and is expected to increase human infections resulting in an outbreak. 

West Nile Virus in the Gulf of Mexico

Chagas disease has been reported as more than 1 million cases in Mexico. The highest prevalence occurs in Oaxaca and Chiapas. In Yucatan the prevalence is approximately one percent; these triatomine vectors (kissing bugs) have been linked to dogs, chickens and vegetation that are hospitable environments for these bugs. The rate of T. cruzi vector-borne transmission has been estimated at approximately one human infection per 900–4,000 contacts with triatomines. Within rural Mayan societies on the Yucatan peninsula, T. cruzi infections have been reported among mothers and their offspring. This suggests both congenital and vector-borne transmission.

Chagas Disease in the Gulf of Mexico

Cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) can be found in the Tabasco state, where CL has been associated with cacao plantations. CL cases have sprung up in Veracruz and Yucatan. The parasites Leishmania mexicana, Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum have been recorded and observed in dogs in Yucatan and along the coastal region. Visceral leishmaniasis, that affects several organ systems, has also been reported.

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