Four deaths from tick bites reported in La Laguna

During 2025, four people were diagnosed with Rickettsia in La Laguna, Coahuila, and Durango; all of them died, according to official reports from the Health Ministries of both states.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted by ticks, the main reservoir of which is dogs. Its detection represents a challenge for the health system, as the symptoms that characterize this condition can be confused with those of other diseases.

This is coupled with the fact that some patients come in late to seek medical attention, as tick bites are usually painless at first.

According to the Coahuila Health Secretariat, this year there have been 14 positive cases of Rickettsia throughout the state and 7 deaths, bringing the case fatality rate to 50 percent.

The cases are distributed as follows: 8 confirmed cases in Saltillo and 4 deaths; 2 in Sabinas and one death; one case in San Pedro and one death; one case in Arteaga and one death; and one case each in Parras de la Fuente and Ramos Arizpe. In 2024, 20 cases and 11 deaths were reported in Coahuila.

For its part, the Durango Health Secretariat (SSD) reported that in 2025, there have been three positive cases and three deaths in the state. The fatalities were women aged 2, 20, and 64, originally from the municipality of Gómez Palacio. The cases were reported by SSD hospitals, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), and the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE).

The state agency added that This year there are 37 patients with symptoms suspected of Rickettsia. , of which 26 were reported by the IMSS, 6 by the ISSSTE, 4 by the SSD and one by the IMSS-Bienestar.

Rickettsiosis should be suspected in the presence of fever and two or more of the following symptoms: headache, myalgia, rash, pharyngeal hyperemia, abdominal pain, neurological disorders, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders, hemorrhages, liver or hematological disorders, hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood), shock, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Healthcare personnel should consider any of the following epidemiological factors: the presence of ticks or cases of rickettsiosis in the area of residence or in places visited in the two weeks prior to the onset of symptoms.

As well as a history of tick bites or contact with dogs in the two weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. Treatment should be administered until three days have passed without fever and for a minimum of ten days.

Depending on the case, the doctor will prescribe oral doxycycline for mild cases and intravenous doxycycline for moderate or severe cases; it is important not to self-medicate.