Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases continue to rise in Puerto Rico after the Department of Health reported 62 infections in epidemiological week 42, covering October 18 to 24. That is a 51.2% increase from the 41 cases recorded the week before and marks five consecutive weeks of increases. According to the surveillance report published October 30, Puerto Rico has accumulated 1,275 cases, 512 hospitalizations and one death associated with the virus in 2026.
Children under five account for about 80% of infections, with 1,019 cases. RSV is a highly contagious virus that affects the lungs and airways. Its symptoms can resemble a common cold, including cough, nasal congestion and fever, but in babies, young children and older adults it can cause more serious illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and may require hospitalization.
It spreads through coughing, sneezing, direct contact with an infected person, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. The Mayagüez, Metro, Bayamón and Caguas regions have the highest cumulative incidence rates. Among towns, Arroyo leads with 93.7 cases per 100,000 residents, followed by Maricao, Guayama, Dorado and Aibonito.
Cases reported in October reached 153 through the 24th, compared with 88 in September. The Health Department recommends more handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick people and staying home with respiratory symptoms. It urges seeking medical care when children have trouble breathing, persistent fever or signs of dehydration. Most patients recover in one to two weeks.