COVID cases remain high as other respiratory infection rates fall

Influenza remains below the warning threshold and epidemic threshold, with only 5.4% of cases resulting in hospitalizations. COVID-19 transmission remains high, meanwhile, but without a significant increase in deaths.

By The Star Staff

The Department of Health announced Tuesday that respiratory infections such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) show a downward trend in Puerto Rico, while COVID-19 transmission remains high but without a significant increase in deaths.

Influenza remains below the warning threshold and epidemic threshold, with only 5.4% of cases resulting in hospitalizations.

“This suggests that vaccination, surveillance and health promotion strategies are yielding tangible results,” the agency said.

No new flu-associated deaths have been reported and hospitalizations are considered manageable.

RSV, which mainly affects infants and older adults, is also at low levels and with no deaths reported so far this year. Some 453 hospitalizations have been recorded since Jan. 1, but hospitals have had sufficient capacity to treat those cases.

As for COVID-19, although cases continue to rise, deaths remain low and severe cases are minimal. There is only one person in intensive care due to complications related to this virus. In addition, more than 83,000 doses of the updated vaccine have been administered through the end of May, reflecting a collective commitment to prevention.

The Health Department also recommended precautions against Saharan dust, which has affected air quality on the island. It is suggested to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposures and wear masks or goggles, especially in people with asthma or chronic lung diseases.

The report highlights that the Puerto Rican population has shown interest in getting vaccinated and adopting prevention practices, which has allowed maintaining stability in medical care. The commitment of the government and health professionals is to continue working to protect public health, officials said.

Meanwhile, the “Health in Your Town” initiative remains active in Utuado through Friday, offering free health services to the community, including general medical, dental and optometric evaluations, as well as the delivery of health certificates for minors.