Increase of HIV in Hidalgo: 422 new cases and urgent need for prevention

During the year 2024, the state of Hidalgo has experienced an alarming increase in the incidence of HIV, with a total of 422 new cases detected. This figure represents a 20.9 percent increase compared to the 349 cases recorded in the previous year. The information comes from the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sinave), which has been monitoring the spread of the virus and other sexually transmitted diseases in the region. Of the new cases, the majority occurred in men, who accounted for 89.7 percent of the total. This translates to 371 men diagnosed compared to 51 women. The prevalence of the virus among men has been consistent in data collected in previous years, highlighting the need to intensify prevention and awareness campaigns in this sector of the population. The diagnosed HIV cases in 2024 are distributed across different clinical stages, with 218 people diagnosed in the first stage, 80 in the second, 98 in the third, and 26 in the fourth, which corresponds to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These numbers are concerning, as they reflect a lack of early diagnosis in many patients, which could have allowed for more effective management of the disease. The classification of the clinical stages of HIV is crucial for understanding the progression of the disease. The first stage is characterized by acute primary infection, followed by an asymptomatic phase, which can lead to serious complications if not treated properly. Early detection is fundamental to improving the quality of life for patients and reducing the transmission of the virus. At the same time, the Ministry of Health has also reported a total of 188 cases of acquired syphilis in Hidalgo, of which 102 affected men and 86 affected women. This data underscores the growing concern regarding sexually transmitted diseases in the region, which require a comprehensive approach that includes education, prevention, and access to effective treatments. In addition to syphilis, other cases of STDs have been reported, including 8 cases of chancroid, 44 cases of genital herpes, and 2,498 cases of urogenital candidiasis. The most alarming figure is the 23,427 cases of vulvovaginitis, highlighting the urgency of implementing public health measures to address these issues. The increase in the number of HIV and other STD infections in Hidalgo cannot be ignored. It is imperative that health authorities, as well as civil society, work together to develop effective and accessible prevention campaigns that reach all sectors of the population, especially those at higher risk. The lack of knowledge and the stigmatization surrounding sexually transmitted diseases continue to be significant obstacles to the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Comprehensive sexual education must be a priority in schools and communities, fostering an environment where young people feel safe to talk about their sexual health. Finally, the situation in Hidalgo also highlights the need to reinforce medical attention and the resources available for the management of STDs. The capacity of health centers to conduct tests and provide timely treatment is crucial to curbing the spread of HIV and improving public health overall. With a proactive and coordinated approach, it is possible to reverse the trend and protect the population from future outbreaks of these diseases.