Puerto Rico Department of Health Issues Dengue Public Health Emergency

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Secretary of the Department of Health Carlos Mellado López on March 25 issued a declaration of public health emergency due to the spread of dengue.

With this action, López said, it will be possible to guarantee the necessary resources to strengthen surveillance, detection, prevention, vector control and clinical management, among other efforts, in order to address the spread of this disease with the promptness and efficiency that deserves.

“This year, dengue cases have exceeded historical figures. The teams have been working on the integrated plan for prevention and control in response to arbovirus and we are going to expand the implemented response," López said. "Is It is important to note that the increase in cases has not only been reflected in Puerto Rico, but we have seen it throughout the region of the Americas."

The administrative order will take effect immediately and will extend for a 90-day period. According to Puerto Rico's health department, the increase in dengue cases requires that all components of society join forces in order to prevent contagion and the spread of this virus.

According to the surveillance update, currently there have been registered 549 cases. The health region with the highest number of reported cases is the San Juan region with 270 cases (49.18 percent), followed by the Bayamón region with 75 cases (13.66 percent) and the Mayagüez region with 61 cases (11.11 percent).

As PMPs know, dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti, can cause serious symptoms and even be fatal. Puerto Rico's health department said it's crucial that citizens take immediate and proactive measures to control the spread of the virus and protect themselves and their families.

For additional and updated information on dengue and preventive measures, visit www.salud.pr.gov/dengue.