Puerto Rico declares state of emergency over monkey flu

(CNN Spanish) — Governor Puerto Rico, Pedro Pierluisi, signed a decree this Friday declaring a state of emergency on the island due to an increase in cases of monkey fever. The ordinance is already in force and will be extended for another 30 days.

In a press release, the government said the health department is empowered by the order to implement necessary initiatives and measures to protect the health, well-being and public safety of the citizens.

By this action, the Department of the Treasury, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Finance and Financial Advisory Commission are directed to take appropriate steps to allocate all necessary financial resources to the Department of Health for this emergency.

According to officials, as of this week, Puerto Rico has 114 confirmed monkey-positive cases, 39 suspected cases, 36 close contacts and 6 people under investigation. A total of 1,675 people on the island have been vaccinated against monkeypox.

“This reality requires all elements of society to work together to prevent the infection and spread of monkey flu. And, given the immediate impact of this disease on our island, the Government of Puerto Rico sees the need to implement all necessary measures to prevent and control its spread,” Pierluzzi said in a statement.

The first positive case of monkeypox was confirmed in Puerto Rico on June 29. By the end of July, the health department had already reported 21 positives. Currently, 23 vaccination centers have been established around the island, according to the Department of Health. On July 23, the World Health Organization declared monkey flu a public health emergency of international concern.