Puerto Rico Declares Influenza Epidemic

PUERTO RICO – Health officials in Puerto Rico have declared an influenza epidemic with Secretary of the Department of Health, Carlos Mellado López confirming 42 fatalities and over 900 hospitalizations since July.

López says the pediatric population between 0 and 19 years old has been the most affected this season with 13,666 cases reported.

There were 15 fatalities last year.

Health officials say they are now trying to vaccinate as many people as possible before the Christmas holiday.