Aspectos relevantes de las epidemias y pandemias en México: desde la perspectiva del derecho sanitario

Abstract

Throughout history, Mexico has been affected by major epidemics and pandemics, for this reason the health system of each era has had to develop, adopt and perpetuate multiple actions and health security measures, in which the following measures stand out: vaccination, adequate personal hygiene, a balanced diet, water chlorination, suspension of some activities, adequate disinfection of public places, preventive and disinfection measures in homes, quarantine, isolation or confinement, correct use of face masks, avoid crowded places, prohibit or avoid collective meetings, this just to mention the most relevant. The aforementioned cares have been implemented with the intention of mitigating and eradicating its spread, as well as reducing its morbidity and mortality from it. The COVID-19 pandemic, like other pandemics that have arisen over time in México, have affected various aspects such as economic, social, political and especially sanitary health. As time has passed, the crisis that the health sector is going through has become evident, which has forced the corresponding health authorities to make multiple efforts to face it and try to cope with these epidemics and pandemics. In this article we make a brief account of the epidemics and pandemics that have affected Mexico from the year 1450 to 2020, as well as the historical evolution of the pertinent health authorities and the general aspects of health law. Keywords: Health law; epidemic; pandemic; preventive medicine; COVID-19.