The Puerto Rico Department of Health is maintaining active epidemiological surveillance for possible cases of avian influenza, particularly when the simultaneous death of several birds is reported. Health Secretary Víctor Ramos explained that such events can raise an alert and lead authorities to run tests to determine whether a disease is behind the deaths. Health is in communication with the Department of Agriculture, which holds primary jurisdiction over these situations, and for now no additional requirements have been established for transporting birds.
Ramos said any change in the epidemiological picture could prompt a new evaluation among the agencies and, if necessary, additional measures. The department's surveillance is not limited to avian influenza. Regarding dengue, the secretary confirmed that two deaths are currently under investigation.
This means authorities are still conducting tests to determine whether dengue caused those deaths or whether they were related to some other health condition.