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If you follow local health news in Mexico, you might have seen a few headlines recently about a rise in dengue fever cases in Baja California Sur.

It is true: The numbers are up compared to previous averages.

According to a new report, the state of Baja California Sur closed 2025 with 680 confirmed cases, and we have already registered 15 new cases in the first few weeks of 2026.

While “tropical diseases” can sound scary to a visitor from the U.S. or Canada, the reality on the ground for tourists is very different from the statistics. Here is the context you need to stay safe without letting anxiety ruin your vacation.

A Regional Spike, Not a Crisis

First, let’s look at the numbers. While 680 cases in a year is an increase, it is important to remember that Baja California Sur has a population of over 800,000 people.

• The Trend: The rise in cases is largely due to the atypical humidity and rains late last year, which created breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• The Location: Most cases are concentrated in residential neighborhoods (colonias) with high density and standing water, not in the manicured tourist zones.

Why Resorts Are The “Safest Zones”

If you are staying at a hotel or resort, your risk factor drops significantly compared to the rest of the city.

• The Ocean Breeze Factor: Mosquitoes are weak fliers. Most resorts in Cabo are oceanfront, where the constant, strong breeze off the Sea of Cortez acts as a natural fan that keeps bugs away.
• Aggressive Prevention: Hotels in Los Cabos take this very seriously. Resorts fumigate their grounds daily (usually at 4:00 AM while you sleep) and have landscaping crews dedicated to removing any standing water where larvae could grow.
• The “Wolbachia” Weapon: This is the cool part. Los Cabos has been rolling out a high-tech strategy using the “Wolbachia method”—releasing special mosquitoes carrying a bacteria that prevents them from transmitting viruses. It’s a proactive, biological firewall that is cutting edge in the world of pest control.

How To Stay Safe (The “Sunset Rule”)

While the risk is low, it isn’t zero. You can protect yourself with three simple habits:

1. The “Golden Hour” Rule: Mosquitoes are most active at sunrise and sunset. If you are dining outdoors at 6:00 PM, wear long sleeves or apply repellent.
2. Check Your Room: If you leave your balcony door open to hear the waves (we all do it), make sure the screen is closed. A chilled, air-conditioned room is generally mosquito-free.
3. Buy Local Repellent: The “OFF!” sold in Mexican pharmacies often has a different formulation than what you buy in the US. Look for distinct orange or green bottles labeled “Repelente de Insectos” with DEET.

Enjoy Yourself

Baja California Sur is addressing the issue head-on with transparency and technology.

If you are staying at a resort, enjoying the pool, and dining on the coast, your exposure is minimal. Put on a little spray before your sunset margarita, and you will be just fine.