The short version
- Medicina y Salud Pública reported that Puerto Rico recorded 13,696 influenza cases, 990 hospitalizations and 29 deaths during the 2026-2027 season as of the week of Oct. 11-17
- Metro Puerto Rico reports that none of the 29 deceased had a recorded influenza vaccination according to Department of Health data
- Both outlets state 2,430 new cases and 136 hospitalizations occurred that week, with children 0-9 years old accounting for 3,794 cumulative cases
- 126 outbreaks in educational institutions have been recorded, including 20 new ones that week, per the Department of Health surveillance system
Cumulative figures and weekly increase
Puerto Rico has accumulated 13,696 cases of influenza, 990 hospitalizations and 29 deaths associated with the disease during the 2026-2027 season, according to data from the Department of Health's surveillance system for the epidemiologic week of Oct. 11-17. Medicina y Salud Pública reported. The information was made public on Oct. 29.
During that week, 2,430 new cases were identified, of which 136 required hospitalization, representing approximately 5.6 percent of the cases reported in the period. The Department of Health also recorded 126 outbreaks in educational institutions since the start of the season, including 20 new outbreaks that week. Metro Puerto Rico reported.
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Impact on children and vaccination status
Children are among the groups with the highest number of accumulated diagnoses. The data reflect 2,018 cases in children zero to four years old and 1,776 cases among those five to nine years old, according to the Department of Health. Both outlets note that the regions of Caguas and Metro have the highest cumulative case counts.
None of the 29 people who died had a recorded vaccination against influenza in the data reported by the agency. The Department of Health has administered 245,729 influenza vaccines in Puerto Rico as of Oct. 23. The agency indicated that the statistics are preliminary and subject to change as new reports are received and processed.
Where the sources differ
Both sources agree on the exact figures of 13,696 cases, 990 hospitalizations, 29 deaths, 2,430 new cases that week, 136 hospitalizations that week, 126 total school outbreaks including 20 new ones, and the pediatric case breakdown. Medicina y Salud Pública published on Oct. 31 while Metro Puerto Rico published on Oct. 29; the latter adds that 57.9 percent of cumulative cases occurred in epidemiologic weeks 38-41, that virus activity remains below advisory and epidemic levels, and the exact number of vaccines administered by Oct. 23. Both note the data are preliminary.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify the ages or underlying conditions of the 29 people who died, the precise vaccination coverage rate among the general population or among children, or any specific public health measures planned in response to the school outbreaks. They also do not indicate whether any of the hospitalized patients required intensive care or the current status of hospital capacity related to influenza.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official Puerto Rico acumula 13,696 casos de influenza y 29 muertes durante la temporada 2026-2027
- Reporting Puerto Rico acumula 13,696 casos de influenza y 29 muertes durante la temporada 2026-2027
- Reporting Influenza deja 29 muertes y casi 13,700 casos en Puerto Rico
How we checked this
Medicina y Salud Pública and Metro Puerto Rico both drew directly from the Department of Health's weekly epidemiologic report released on Oct. 29. The vaccination status of the deceased and the exact number of doses administered rest on the single Department of Health disclosure cited by both outlets.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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