By The Star Staff
Designated Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero on Tuesday provided the latest data on the epidemiological surveillance of respiratory diseases, showing an increase in influenza cases and a rise in related deaths in Puerto Rico.
In response, the official announced additional measures aimed at stopping the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable populations.
To date, 339,157 influenza vaccines have been administered. Educational programs in schools have been reinforced, and vaccination efforts have increased for those who are bedridden or have mobility issues. The initiatives have helped keep cases below the epidemic threshold, Ramos Otero said.
During the week of Feb. 2-8,there were 2,824 new influenza cases reported, an increase of 142 cases from the previous week. The ongoing growth has brought Puerto Rico to the “Warning Threshold,” although it still remains below the epidemic threshold. Since the start of the 2024-2025 flu season, the island has recorded 32,944 confirmed cases, with a concerning incidence rate among the pediatric population (ages 0-19), accounting for 45 percent of all infections.
The regions with the highest incidence of cases last week were Aguadilla/Mayagüez, Caguas and Ponce. Notably, 79.5% of confirmed cases have been attributed to Type A influenza, which is the predominant variant this season.
The report also noted an increase in deaths associated with influenza. In the same week, 22 deaths were certified, bringing the total to 96 for the 2024-2025 season. Detailed analysis revealed that 82% of those who died from influenza had not been vaccinated against the virus and had underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions, diabetes and kidney diseases.
Ramos Otero emphasized the need for continued preventive measures and vaccination to prevent more avoidable deaths. “Each of these deaths is a tragedy,” he said. “We know that vaccination is the most effective tool to prevent severe cases and fatalities. Our message to citizens is clear: do not wait -- get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Ramos Otero announced that the vaccination plan has been strengthened with home services for bedridden individuals and those with mobility challenges, as well as in senior care centers.
Since taking office at the Department of Health (DS by its initials in Spanish), Ramos Otero has initiated discussions with 103 patient associations, 330 primary health centers, members of the Health Services and Hospital Administrators Association, the Nursing Professionals Association, the Medical Technologists Association of Puerto Rico, faith-based organizations, mayors and insurers. The purpose of the discussions is to keep stakeholders informed, strengthen prevention efforts, and gain their support in educational and community outreach campaigns to help contain the influenza outbreak.
Another concerning aspect highlighted in the report is the rise in outbreaks within educational institutions, raising alarms among health authorities and the school community. During the same week, 18 influenza outbreaks were identified in schools in the Bayamón, Metro, Arecibo and Fajardo regions.
Miriam Ramos Colón, the island’s chief epidemiologist, noted that a school outbreak is defined as the infection of at least 10% of the school community or a minimum of three confirmed cases within a specific group during a seven-day period.
In response, the DS has intensified educational efforts on preventive measures in schools, conducting 18 educational interventions that included 962 students and staff members.
“Schools are high-risk environments for the spread of respiratory viruses, which is why we have strengthened hygiene and education protocols to prevent further outbreaks,” Ramos Colón said. “As part of the early detection initiatives of the Epidemiology Division, we will enhance our educational interventions, particularly in the regions with the highest number of cases.”
Ramos Otero reiterated his call to citizens to adhere to preventive measures to reduce the spread of viruses, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, and visiting healthcare providers if experiencing symptoms.
“We are determined not to let our guard down in this fight,” Ramos Otero stressed.
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