Health chief urges citizens not to be swayed by ‘social media alarmism’.

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero issued a message to the public on Sunday involving misleading information circulating online related to norovirus, urging citizens not to fall prey to “social media alarmism.”

“Whenever you see this type of news, please turn to our official social media channels. Remember that the Department of Health maintains a robust and permanently active surveillance system for infectious diseases,” the health secretary stated in written remarks. “Furthermore, we maintain inter-agency coordination at both the state and federal levels. We remain on alert every day of the week, working alongside the Tourism Company, the Ports Authority, and our Department of Biosecurity.”

“At the Department of Health, we do not improvise,” Ramos Otero added. “We have established protocols in place to handle this type of event, as well as others. We never underestimate any situation, but we act in accordance with our protocols.”

He said norovirus is frequently encountered on cruise ships because it is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. Norovirus is easily transmitted through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or via contaminated food and water, making it a common cause of outbreaks. It is often referred to as the “stomach flu,” although it is unrelated to the influenza virus.