Influenza epidemic declared in Puerto Rico

By THE STAR STAFF

Island Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero announced on Tuesday the declaration of an influenza epidemic in Puerto Rico, after the established criteria for incidence and growth rate of cases were met during the 2025-2026 season.

“An influenza epidemic has been declared,” Ramos Otero said at a press conference.

“The region with the most cases is Ponce, with 8,392 cases, followed by Caguas, with 8,179 cases, and Bayamón, with 7,111 cases,” he added.

Ramos Otero said two additional deaths related to influenza have been reported and that another 12 are under investigation, bringing the total to 128 deaths, of which only five people had been vaccinated.

“The New York State Viral Diseases Institute confirmed that the samples we sent for sequencing correspond to the H3N2 subtype,” he said.

The health secretary noted that the H3N2 subtype originated in England, spread throughout Europe, reached the United States with more than 30 states experiencing high levels of transmission, and eventually reached Puerto Rico.

“The response to the epidemic will be based on five strategic pillars: detection, surveillance, vaccination and treatment, community outreach, and a communication strategy,” Ramos Otero said.

Among the measures announced, the Department of Health will reinforce the capacity of laboratories to process tests, establish reporting requirements for test inventory, acquire and distribute home influenza tests, and strengthen epidemiological surveillance systems, including wastewater and syndromic surveillance.

Ramos Otero added that vaccines previously reserved for specific populations will be released and that vaccination providers, pharmacies that immunize individuals over 12 years of age, and vaccination centers for the entire population, including children under 12, will remain available.