In a concerning development, the Puerto Rico Department of Health declared an influenza epidemic on Thursday, as the number of hospitalizations and cases continue to rise. Since the beginning of the flu season in July, at least 900 hospitalizations and 25,900 cases have been recorded, marking the first flu epidemic in the US territory since 2016, according to officials.

According to Dr. Melissa Marzán, an epidemiologist with the health department, there have been 42 confirmed deaths related to the flu season as of November 4. An additional nine deaths are currently under investigation. This season's flu activity has far surpassed last year's, with nearly six times as many cases reported at this time.

To officially declare an epidemic, certain criteria need to be met. One such criterion is reaching a high level of flu activity, according to the monitoring system of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data from the CDC confirms that Puerto Rico's flu activity is currently classified as high.

In response to the epidemic, Secretary of Health Dr. Carlos Mellado López emphasized the importance of preparedness and prevention. He stated, "This is not the time to be alarmed, but to prepare to help prevent the increase in the spread of this virus." The Puerto Rico Department of Health plans to launch a mass vaccination program to combat the outbreak, drawing on their past experience in dealing with the disease.

According to the health department, the majority of flu cases appear to be affecting children and young people. Among newborns through 19-year-olds, more than 13,600 cases have been recorded. Adults between the ages of 20 and 59 account for over 9,600 cases, while older adults make up approximately 2,500 cases.

Comparatively, the previous flu season in Puerto Rico, which took place in 2022-23, saw a total of 31,710 cases, with 15 deaths and 1,224 hospitalizations, according to the health department.

With the alarming rise in cases and hospitalizations, health officials urge the public to take necessary precautions, including getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene. By doing so, they hope to curb the spread of the virus and bring an end to the current influenza epidemic in Puerto Rico.