In Puerto Rico, the tuberculosis detection test is in short supply nationwide, according to Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero. Due to this situation, Ramos Otero issued an administrative order to stop performing the test on individuals seeking a health certificate, unless they have risk factors or symptoms associated with tuberculosis. The order will remain in effect until the shortage of the test’s main component is resolved.
Ramos Otero explained that the manufacturer indicated it would take time to return to normal production cycles. Additionally, he confirmed that there have been no cases of human-to-human transmission of avian flu in the two confirmed cases in birds in Cabo Rojo and Lajas. Ramos Otero also announced the appointment of two new executive directors for public hospitals: Patricia Saldaña Vicentí, who will lead the Puerto Rico and Caribbean Cardiovascular Center, and Luis Santos Reyes, a gynecologic oncologist, who will direct the Comprehensive Cancer Center.