A spike in COVID-19 reinfections has the health sector on alert

Increase in re-infections COVID-19 is concerned Department of Health, People who have been infected more than once are more likely to develop symptoms for a long timeWhat is known Post acute effects.

“Reinfections account for 40% to 44% (of reported cases). This is a very high number compared to the total number of cases under surveillance.”The doctor said on Friday Melissa MarzanPrincipal Health Epidemiology Officer.

“The call is (for people not to think) 'It hit me, it's over.' Vaccination is important”He further emphasized that the current rate of infections is four out of every 10 cases reported to the agency.

According to an epidemiologist, Currently, around 600 COVID-19 cases are being reported daily, while the positivity rate is 22%, indicating high prevalence.. Hospitalizations have increased slightly from around 60 patients a day to 75 to 80. Meanwhile, two deaths are reported daily from the disease.

Usually, the last two weeks of December and the first of January see a large increase in the impact of this virus, but compared to the previous year, Marzán highlighted that the current level is low.

He also said The number of tests may have decreased because people did not perform them or resorted to home-made ones; He recalled that at the same time last year, there were 230 to 240 hospitalizations per day.

while, 25.4% cases were processed in the genetic surveillance program Omicron subtype JN.1 It is second highest in Puerto Rico. The dominant subvariant on the island is HV.1, and belongs to the Omicron family.

Marzán noted, Inside America, 40% to 44% of cases JN.1. However, in Region 2, Puerto Rico, the prevalence was 56.9%.

Of the cases activated on the island, 98% of those in JN.1 reported symptoms, mainly nasal congestion. Only 7% of these cases have been vaccinated against Covid-19 to date.

“If you test positive, you should not go to the Christmas party you were invited to (so as not to infect others)”The officer pointed out.

Flu effects will decrease

Meanwhile, cases cold fever has declined and in the last report (with data up to December 23), the report did not cross the historical average or the warning threshold.

According to Marzán, this year's pattern of infections was similar to the previous season, with an increase noted above the norm. He said the health warning issued in November could be lifted in the coming weeks if cases continue to decline, although the pandemic alert remains.

With nine additional deaths confirmed, the number of influenza deaths for the season rose to 85, while — at present — no additional deaths are under investigation. Of those deaths, 71 were 60 years or older, and only four had vaccination records.

The VaccinationAdvice provided by Marsan to prevent this and other respiratory conditions is to use masks, stay away from going out if you are sick, get tested if you have suspicious symptoms, disinfect common areas and wash your hands frequently.

Fatalities are possible

As for DengueThe latest report, with data up to December 16, 38 new cases were reported, bringing the total to 1,130, of which 850 were confirmed and 280 were probable.. Of these cases, 52 were for severe dengue, while 493 were hospitalized for complications related to this mosquito-borne arbovirus. Aedes Egypt.

Marzan clarified that the two deaths due to dengue may have been reported to the health. Previous information provided by the agency One of these casualties has been confirmed, he said.

But, according to Marzan, both cases were positive in serological test. However, only one was molecularly tested, which was confirmed to be negative. In the case of the other person, no such confirmatory test was done. So, both would be dengue deaths. No other dengue deaths are under investigationAccurate.

The epidemiologist described the symptoms of dengue as fever, muscle and eye pain and skin rash. He warned that those in this condition should seek immediate medical attention.

This year, the Pan American Health Organization The US region has issued an epidemiological alert due to a dramatic increase in dengue cases.