The number of dengue cases registered in Sonora this year has skyrocketed amid an outbreak in the southern part of the state.

Health officials say there have been 550 registered dengue cases in Sonora already this year, far outstripping previous outbreaks of the incurable, mosquito-borne virus in the state. Last year, there were just 129 dengue cases in Sonora, and in 2020 only two cases were registered.

The majority of dengue cases are concentrated in the southern municipalities of Navojoa and Alamos, with 269 and 163 cases respectively.

Health Secretary Jose Luis Alomia says there have been no confirmed deaths due to the virus, though dengue is currently being evaluated as the cause of three deaths.

Health officials said they are doing their best to eliminate breeding sites and educate communities on reducing the spread of the virus, including by removing stagnant water.

Sonora is currently the state in Mexico with the second highest rate of dengue cases, according to federal data.