SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico health officials on Thursday declared an influenza epidemic in the U.S. territory.
At least 25,900 cases have been reported since July, with 42 deaths and more than 900 hospitalizations on the island of 3.2 million people, Health Secretary Carlos Mellado said.
Those who are 0 to 19 years old have been most affected, with more than 13,600 cases reported in that population, Mellado said.
Health officials said there were plenty of vaccines, tests and treatments available on the island.
Political Cartoons View All 1237 ImagesA record 53,708 influenza cases were reported in 2015 in Puerto Rico.
Persons:
Carlos Mellado, Epidemiologist Melissa Marzán, Mellado
Organizations:
JUAN, —, Health
Locations:
Puerto Rico, — Puerto Rico, U.S