Jose Torres, Lizbeth Diaz

MAPASTEPEC (Mexico) – On Monday, a caravan made up of thousands of Central American and Caribbean migrants continued its journey through Mexico, despite fears that at least half could become sick or injured, and possibly even dengue fever.

Over the last week, approximately 3,000 migrants, mostly children and women, have traveled over 100 km (60 mi) to Tapachula at the Guatemalan border.

Kabir Sanchez was a volunteer physician who treated injured caravan members.

He said that “more than 50%” of caravan members were sick, and he spoke to Reuters over the telephone.

He claimed that some caravan members may have had coronavirus infections, but the government has not yet provided COVID-19 test results.

The request to comment on COVID-19 testing by the National Migration Institute of Canada (INM), was not received immediately.

According to the INM, six caravan members had dengue, and five were children.

After having stopped their day-long trek due to health issues, caravan members spent Sunday night outside.

The majority of migrants fled poverty, violence, and adverse effects of climate change. Many people hope to cross the border to America.

Last week, leaders of the caravan rejected the Mexican government’s offer to visas to allow migrants to access healthcare. They claimed that it has failed to fulfill its promises.