Various states of Mexico, such as Oaxaca, Nayarit, Veracruz, Morelos, and Tamaulipas, among others, have issued special recommendations for the celebration of the Day of the Dead this year to prevent the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a carrier of dengue, in cemeteries. This measure is taken due to the increase in visitors to these places in connection with the upcoming dates related to the Day of the Dead.
Authorities through Civil Protection have advised the population to opt for artificial flowers instead of natural ones, as the latter tend to accumulate water, turning into mosquito breeding grounds. In the case of Oaxaca, the use of moist sand to hold the flowers instead of water is recommended. Additionally, it is advised to remove vases and objects that could accumulate water within 72 hours after visits to the cemeteries.
Another recommendation is that when visiting cemeteries, people should wear long sleeve clothing, comfortable shoes, and insect repellent as preventive measures. These actions are taken in response to the increase in dengue cases in the country. According to the Epidemiological Panorama of Dengue of the Government of Mexico, up to epidemiological week 41, 80,866 cases of dengue and 200 deaths related to this disease have been confirmed.
Authorities are conducting campaigns to eliminate containers that can collect rainwater, as well as intensifying fumigation in cemeteries as part of preventive measures due to the increase in dengue cases in various regions of the country. In states like Nayarit, a prevention campaign has also been implemented in churches and other sites where floral offerings are made.
With these actions, authorities aim to reduce the risk of dengue transmission during the Day of the Dead festivities, which usually gather a large number of people in the cemeteries.
