In recent weeks, confirmed cases of mosquito-borne dengue in neighboring Sonora have continued to climb.

As of early October, there were 966 confirmed cases of the incurable viral infection, a week-to-week jump of 245, according to the most recently released state report. Nine people have died so far this year. 

Colonial Alamos in Southern Sonora has one of the highest case rates in the state, and it's where Texas native Suzanne Winckler has been living part time since 2008.

“There’s no comparison. There’s no comparison,” she said of how this year’s outbreak stacks up to other years. “You know, every so often somebody would get dengue, but just not like this.”

Many friends and acquaintances of hers have fallen ill, but she and her husband came down anyway in early October and have been trying to stay safe with pants and long sleeves, bug spray and other measures.

“We’re just going to be careful, and keep our fingers crossed,” she said.

Local authorities have also been fumigating, and there’s hope cooler temperatures could bring relief.