Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) came to Puerto Rico on May 26, 2009 when the first case of this pandemic was confirmed in the island. On July 13, 2009, the Goverment of Puerto Rico prepared to fight the possible spread of influenza A (H1N1) after the first death was officially confirmed by the virus. Authorities in Puerto Rico reported that approximately 400 infections occurred per day, and one to two deaths.
Governor Luis Fortuño confirmed in press conference in Puerto Rico the first death directly attributed to infection by influenza A (H1N1). On July 15, 2009, Governor Luis Fortuño upheld the second death on the island connected with the H1N1 virus in a press conference, which stressed prevention as a way to prevent to spread of the disease. At the same time, the government is investigating other suspicious deaths of 8 influenza A (H1N1) cases. While the flu continued to advance on the island (reaching 52 cases confirmed and 600 probable cases) the number of victims increased by July 19, 2009 to 6, and 17 others remained under investigation. On July 28, 2009 there were 130 of 1674 confirmed probable cases with 25 possible deaths. The deaths in Puerto Rico continued to increase to 10, and confirmed flu cases rose to 143 on July 30, 2009. Until March 10, 2010 (date of the last updated), the islad of Puerto Rico confirmed 908 cases and 60 deaths from influenza A (H1N1).
On August 26, 2009 the President of the University of Puerto Rico Mr. Antonio Garcia Padilla, send a letter to all the Director of the different UPR campuses. This letter states that protocol established in the UPR campuses was in acordance with the new guide published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta. The must important thing to done was that students or employees who were absent, should not be aslfed for excuses, so it they showed signs of the flu they should stay home.Reference:
Confirms first death from h1n1 flu in puerto rico. Diario Libre. Retrieved from http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias_det.php?id=207376
Reuters. (May 25, 2009). Puerto rico reports first confirmed h1n1 flu case. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/05/26/us-flu-caribbean-idUSTRE54P07620090526