Puerto Rico declares pandemic status as flu cases and deaths rise sharply

Puerto Rico health authorities announced Thursday influenza epidemic This is happening within the United States due to the significant number of cases that have occurred over the past three months.

At least 42 people have died since July, the health ministry said in a statement. 25,900 of them More than 900 patients have been hospitalized on the island of 3.2 million residents.

Health Minister Carlos Mellado said this “epidemic declaration is to remind and inform citizens of the actions we must take”.

“Now is not the time to panic.but be prepared to help prevent the spread of this virus from increasing,” Melado added.

The official said Puerto Rico has enough screening tests, vaccines and treatments to respond to flu cases, “and they are all available and distributed throughout the island.”

Epidemiologist Melissa Marzán asserts that the number of cases six times bigger Compared to the same period last year.

“The methodology on which the outbreak declaration is based includes the reporting of cases that exceed the alert threshold for at least four consecutive weeks and represent nearly 50% of the total number of cases registered in the 2023 and 2024 influenza seasons,” Marzán said.

Children aged 0-19 are the most affected group this season. There were 13,666 reported cases.

The adult group aged 20-59 years reached 9,656 cases, while 2,578 cases were registered among the elderly. “The past twelve consecutive weeks reflect a continued increase in influenza cases,” the department said.

Puerto Rico flu case record is In 2015 it was 53,708.

Chief Medical Officer Iris Cardona noted, “The call is simple, get vaccinated.”

“Vaccination is the main barrier against certain diseases and everyone over six months is eligible. The vaccine is available at vaccination events organized by vaccination providers, community and chain pharmacies, and shopping malls across the island. We are also vaccinating in schools,” he concluded.