Melioidosis in Mexico: a Coordinated Effort to Educate the Medical Specialists and the Community About an Unknown Disease Endemic in the Country

Purpose of Review: Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is virtually unknown in Mexico. The acquisition of the pathogen and development of the disease has been scarcely documented in the Mexican population, but strong evidence indicates that several of the cases are autochthonous to the country. Recent Findings: Two fatal cases in the state of Sonora triggered a coordinated effort by the health system at the local, state, and federal level, supported by the state government, academic institutions, and international specialists, that resulted in the proper identification of the pathogen and provided strong evidence indicating that melioidosis is endemic and underreported. Summary: In response to this coordinated effort, a Melioidosis Symposium was organized in the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, with an overall goal to educate the medical professionals and the community about the disease and to foster collaborations at the state, federal, and international level to properly identify, diagnose, and treat the next patient developing the disease.