Mexico has reported a significant increase in acute diarrheal disease (ADD) cases among children under five. As of the seventh week of 2026, 73,012 cases have been registered, marking a 3.4% rise from the previous week. This surge has raised concerns among health authorities, particularly in states like Tabasco, Morelos, Nayarit, Mexico City, and Tlaxcala, which saw increases of 282.1%, 245.2%, 198.0%, 195.2%, and 180.2%, respectively.
According to internist Alejandro Macías, the spike coincides with the start of the hot season, which accelerates food decomposition and raises the risk of infections from bacteria, viruses, and parasites. He urged tourists and locals to avoid street food, as these stalls often lack potable water, leading to fecal contamination of food.
"At home, one must avoid cross-contamination of food. When dining out, it's best to choose formally established and reputable restaurants," Macías emphasized. He also warned against the misuse of anti-diarrheal medications, as some, like loperamide, can worsen the infection by reducing intestinal motility.
The best strategy, Macías noted, is to stay well-hydrated, especially when vomiting is present. He recommended subsalicylate of bismuth (Pepto-Bismol) and loperamide as the safest options. The doctor also explained cross-contamination, which occurs when the same utensils are used for raw meat and raw vegetables, a common cause of food poisoning in households.
Health statistics show a major spike in intestinal amoebiasis, affecting 1,803 children. Other leading diseases include typhoid fever with 54 cases and rotavirus-induced enteritis with 34 cases. However, Macías highlighted that the rotavirus vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of this disease, eliminating the large winter spikes seen before its introduction.
