Tuberculosis Cases in Chihuahua, Mexico: Current Status and Concerns

Chihuahua, Mexico is currently facing a continuing challenge with tuberculosis (TB). As of February 22, 2026, the state has documented 130 tuberculosis-related deaths over the past two years and two months, with 121 occurring in 2025 and nine reported so far in 2026. Despite these numbers, health officials emphasize that Chihuahua is not experiencing a TB outbreak, characterizing the disease as endemic to the region.

Understanding Tuberculosis in Chihuahua

Gumaro Barrios Gallegos, the subdirector of Epidemiology for the state’s Secretary of Health, explains that tuberculosis is an endemic infectious disease, meaning it is consistently present within the population. An outbreak would involve a surge in cases exceeding historical expectations, a scenario not currently observed in Chihuahua.

Case and Fatality Rates

In 2025, Chihuahua reported 890 confirmed TB cases and 121 deaths. Through the sixth epidemiological week of 2026, 93 cases and nine deaths have been documented. The current case fatality rate is approximately 10 percent, meaning one in ten patients succumb to the disease. Health officials attribute a significant portion of these deaths to delayed medical attention, despite the availability of highly effective treatment.

Demographic Breakdown

Of the 93 confirmed cases this year, 63 are among men and 30 are among women. Ciudad Juárez and Chihuahua City account for 63 percent of the state’s total cases, with 36 and 23 cases respectively. Other municipalities reporting cases include Urique (7), Bocoyna (6), Batopilas, Cuauhtémoc and Delicias (3 each), and Buenaventura, Camargo, Casas Grandes, and Guachochi (2 each). Balleza, Guadalupe y Calvo, Guazapares, and Saucillo each reported one case.

Treatment and Prevention

The Ministry of Health provides treatment as soon as a case is confirmed, utilizing a six-month regimen combining several medications in a single tablet. This includes an intensive phase of three months followed by a continuation phase of the same duration. Medical personnel conduct control studies throughout the process to verify the elimination of the bacillus. Health officials assure the public that the supply of medicines is guaranteed for all of 2026.

Transmission and Symptoms

Tuberculosis is transmitted through respiratory droplets via close and prolonged contact with an infected person. It does not spread through food consumption or casual contact. The pulmonary form accounts for 90-95 percent of cases, but it can also affect bones, kidneys, skin, or the central nervous system. The primary symptom is a persistent cough lasting more than 14 days, potentially accompanied by weight loss, decreased appetite, and fever.

Call to Action

The health authority urges the population not to ignore a chronic cough and to seek immediate medical attention. While there is no current outbreak declaration, ongoing surveillance is maintained due to the potentially high fatality rate when patients delay treatment or discontinue it prematurely.