In recent weeks, Mexico has seen a notable increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases, accompanied by a rising positivity rate. According to data from the federal Health Ministry, the number of confirmed cases grew each week from May 26 to June 29. Although there was a brief decline in cases between June 30 and July 6, this reduction may be adjusted upward in future reports.
Despite the recent uptick, current case numbers remain relatively low compared to the peaks of 2020 and 2021. Weekly confirmed cases ranged from 100 to 200 between early May and late June, with a spike above 200 in the last week of June. Earlier in 2024, cases were higher, reaching over 700 during Epidemiological Week 6, from February 4 to 10.
The COVID-19 positivity rate, which indicates the percentage of positive tests, has also risen. It climbed for seven consecutive weeks to reach 28% between June 30 and July 6, marking the highest rate this year. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health notes that a high positivity rate suggests the need for more testing and cautiousness regarding the easing of restrictions, as it reflects the extent of disease spread relative to testing levels.
So far in 2024, Mexico has reported 8,075 confirmed COVID-19 cases, a 44% decrease compared to the same period last year. There have been 375 deaths associated with COVID-19 this year. Mexico’s total COVID-19 death toll exceeds 330,000, making it the fifth highest globally. Its per-capita mortality rate stands as the 32nd highest worldwide, with 261 deaths per 100,000 people, according to Johns Hopkins University.
