Puerto Rico Declares Influenza Epidemic, Mobilizes Emergency Resources
Puerto Rico is facing a significant surge in influenza cases, prompting the Department of Health to declare an epidemic this tuesday. The declaration unlocks access to emergency funding to bolster vaccination efforts and implement preventative measures across the island.
After registering 3,131 new cases between January 11 and 17 – marking the sixth consecutive week above the established epidemic threshold – officials determined the situation warranted immediate action. Governor Jennifer Gonzalez swiftly supported the decision with an executive order declaring a state of emergency,further facilitating the mobilization of resources and streamlining response procedures.
According to the Secretary of Health, Victor Ramos, the decision to declare an epidemic was based on criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). thes criteria include sustaining case numbers above the epidemic threshold for six weeks, with 40% of the season’s cases occurring within that period.
The emergency response will be structured around five key pillars: detection, surveillance, vaccination and treatment, community outreach, and communications. A significant practical implication of the epidemic declaration is the expanded availability of adult vaccines, now accessible to all patients regardless of their enrollment in the Plan Vital health insurance program. Moreover, the declaration mandates that medical plans cover both testing and treatment costs, irrespective of whether the healthcare facility is within the patient’s provider network.
Officials estimate the total cost of the response to be approximately $2.1 million, with $1.2 million sourced from federal funds now accessible due to the epidemic designation.The Department of Health is collaborating with the Office of Management and Budget (OGP) to secure the remaining funds.
Governor Gonzalez signed Executive Order 2026-005, which grants the Department of Health and other relevant government agencies broad exemptions from standard permitting and procedural requirements. This allows for expedited action in addressing the emergency. The order also establishes a special purchasing process and authorizes the Department of the Treasury, the OGP, the Financial Advisory Authority, and the Fiscal Agency to create a dedicated budget utilizing available funds, including the Emergency Reserve.
“People should not worry, people should take care of themselves, go get vaccinated for those who have not yet been vaccinated, cut the chains of contagion by not going to work or study sick,” Ramos stated earlier this week. “That is a way to take care of ourselves and cooperate with lowering these numbers.”
Common symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue.To date, 365,508 influenza vaccines have been administered, demonstrating 70% effectiveness against the H3N2 variant, which has been confirmed as present in puerto Rico by the New York Institute of Viral Diseases.
A concerning trend is the high rate of infection among children, accounting for 46% of all cases. According to Miriam Ramos, the main Health Epidemiology official, 36 outbreaks were recorded in schools during the second week of 2026 alone, defined as at least three cases within a single classroom. “As in other previous seasons, we see that the population of children is the least vaccinated, we do not exceed 18%,” she explained.
To increase vaccination rates, the Department of Health has scheduled free vaccination events at the following locations:
- Sports Palace, Mayagüez, January 29
- Santa Rosa Mall, Bayamón, january 29 and 30
- Plaza Centro, Caguas, january 29 to 31
- Carolina Plaza, January 30
- Catalina Morales de Flores School, Moca, January 30
A virtual meeting is also planned with municipal executives from the Association and Federation of Mayors to coordinate additional events.A dedicated call center (787-522-3985) has been established to assist residents in locating vaccination sites and arranging in-home immunizations for those unable to travel.
Health professionals are encouraging individuals experiencing symptoms to seek laboratory testing for accurate diagnosis. Though, officials are not discouraging the use of at-home tests, recognizing their value in providing access to treatment, especially for those with limited mobility. Individuals are urged to report their at-home test results through the Health Department’s online portals.
