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On Thursday, the Department of Health for the island shared updates regarding the epidemiological surveillance of influenza, dengue, and COVID-19, underscoring the significance of preventive actions to curtail their transmission.
Melissa Marzán Rodríguez, the leading epidemiology officer of the agency, stated that the Epidemiology and Research Division is diligently tracking the previously mentioned diseases influencing the community.
In the 2024-2025 influenza season, which commenced on June 30, 2024, and is set to last until late June of this year, there has been a rise in cases, totaling 20,781 reported instances. Out of this figure, 1,850 cases were confirmed during the last complete week of December (Dec. 22-28, 2024).
“Influenza type A constitutes 87% of verified cases,” stated Marzán Rodríguez.
She mentioned that although case numbers are approaching the alert threshold, they remain beneath the epidemic level. The areas most impacted include Caguas, the San Juan Metro, and Ponce. Furthermore, 24 new hospitalizations were recorded, leading to a total of 933 for the season.
Concerning COVID-19, the most recent figures from Dec. 22-28 reflect that the positivity rate has held steady at 4.14%, with Arecibo reporting the highest positivity rate. Current hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain low.
Health Secretary Víctor M. Ramos Otero urged the public to adopt safety measures.
“The signs of influenza and COVID-19 are alike and can cause confusion,” he noted. “I advise anyone with these symptoms to consult their healthcare provider. It’s also vital to uphold hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing. By doing this, we can mitigate these respiratory viruses and safeguard our loved ones from illness.”
Ramos Otero further highlighted that vaccination is a crucial element of the prevention plan. For details on the nearest vaccination facilities or to schedule home vaccinations for those with mobility challenges, residents can reach out at 787-522-3985.
Another illness present on the island is dengue, spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue remains a significant public health concern in Puerto Rico, with 117 new cases reported for the week of Dec 16-22, elevating the total to 5,913 cases in 2024. The epidemic has surpassed the epidemic threshold for 49 consecutive weeks, resulting in an extension of that classification until March 31. The municipalities hit hardest include San Juan, Carolina, and Rincón, with the most affected age group being 40 to 59 years old. So far, there have been 12 recorded deaths linked to dengue on the island, and one case is still being probed.
“Dengue prevention necessitates a community initiative. We implore families to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and safeguard themselves with approved repellents, especially during this peak transmission period,” Marzán Rodríguez said.
She also advised wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors. Symptoms of dengue can include fever, muscle and joint pain, headaches, rashes, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and discomfort behind the eyes.
“If you experience these symptoms, it’s imperative to seek medical attention, as they can quickly escalate to severe dengue, which may have serious repercussions,” the epidemiologist remarked.
