Health warns about increasing influenza, dengue and COVID-19 cases

The island Department of Health provided updates Thursday on the epidemiological surveillance of influenza, dengue and COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures to reduce their spread.

Melissa Marzán Rodríguez, the agency’s chief epidemiology officer, reported that the Epidemiology and Research Division continues to closely monitor the aforementioned diseases affecting the population. During the 2024-2025 influenza season, which began on June 30, 2024, and will continue until late June of this year, there has been an increase in cases, with a cumulative total of 20,781 reported. Of that number, 1,850 cases were confirmed in the last full week of December (Dec. 22-28, 2024). “Influenza type A accounts for 87% of confirmed cases,” Marzán Rodríguez said.

She noted that while the number of cases is nearing the alert threshold, it remains below the epidemic level. The regions most affected include Caguas, San Juan Metro and Ponce. Additionally, 24 new hospitalizations were reported, bringing the total to 933 for the season. Regarding COVID-19, the latest data from Dec. 22-28 indicate that the positivity rate has remained stable at 4.14%, with Arecibo reporting the highest positivity rate. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 are currently at low levels. Designated Health Secretary Víctor M. Ramos Otero urged citizens to take precautionary measures.