Puerto Rico Influenza Alert: Epidemic Risk Rising

by Dr Natalie Singh - Health Editor
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Okay, here’s a breakdown of teh key data from the provided text, organized for clarity.

1. Current Influenza Situation in Puerto Rico (as of January 8, 2026 – based on report dates)

* Widespread: The report is “already in all of puerto Rico.”
* Cases: 3,200 cases of influenza reported between December 28, 2025 and January 3, 2026. This is down from 3,700 cases in the previous two weeks, but still considered an “epidemic level.”
* Hospitalizations: 232 hospitalizations.
* Deaths: No deaths reported in this specific reporting period (Dec 28 – Jan 3). However, 96 deaths have been reported since the start of the influenza season (summer 2025).
* Most Affected Age Group: Infants (0-9 years old) – 717 cases of the 3,200 reported.
* High Incidence Municipalities (last week): Yabucoa, Aguas Buenas, and Comerío.
* Regions with Greatest Contagion (for vaccination efforts): Caguas, Bayamón, and Ponce.

2. Concerns & Upcoming Events

* San Sebastián Street Festival: The Secretary of Health is concerned the festival will increase cases due to crowding. He advises sick people not to attend.
* Laboratory Testing Issue: An internal investigation is underway because tests to identify the H3N2 strain were not sent to the CDC. The Secretary considers this “unacceptable.”

3. Vaccination & Prevention Efforts

* No Vaccination Centers at san sebastián Festival: The agency won’t set up vaccination centers in Old San Juan, believing people are there to socialize, not get vaccinated.
* Vaccination Fairs: Vaccination events are scheduled at:
* El Cantón Mall (Bayamón): January 15-17
* santa Rosa Mall (Bayamón): january 29-30
* Centro Sur Mall: January 22-24
* Plaza Centro Mall: January 29-31
* Guidance at San Sebastián: Agency personnel will be present at the festival to provide guidance on influenza and sexually transmitted diseases.
* School Protocol: Active protocol with the Department of Education, including virtual training for school nurses. Parents are urged to keep sick children home and not send them to school.
* General Recommendations:

* Stay home if sick.
* Wear a mask, especially when seeking medical care.
* Wash hands and surfaces.
* avoid contact with sick people.

4.Influenza Symptoms

* High fever
* Cough
* Headache
* Muscle and body aches
* Extreme tiredness
* Sore throat
* Nasal congestion
* (In children) Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
* Symptoms appear 5-7 days after infection.

Let me know if you’d like me to focus on a specific aspect of the text or if you have any other questions!

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