H3N2 Flu Surge Wreaking Havoc in Puerto Rico as Children Die and Major Swim Meet is Shut Down as Many Participants Hospitalized
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 04, 2026 1 day, 28 minutes ago
Medical News: Puerto Rico is grappling with a severe influenza crisis that is now spilling beyond hospitals and into major sporting events, disrupting lives and raising alarms among health authorities. A dangerous surge in influenza cases, largely driven by the H3N2 strain, has already claimed the lives of children and forced the abrupt cancellation of one of the island’s most anticipated competitive swimming events.
A deadly flu wave disrupts sports and claims young lives as Puerto Rico faces a growing public health emergency
Flu Outbreak Forces Copa Coqui Cancellation
Organizers of the annual Copa Coqui swimming meet announced the cancellation of the 2025–2026 competition after multiple swimmers reportedly required emergency room treatment due to influenza-like illness. In a message sent to coaches, officials stressed that the decision was made strictly for safety and well-being, citing several medical emergencies linked to the outbreak.
The event was expected to host more than 500 swimmers from at least 15 teams, including athletes from Puerto Rico, mainland United States NCAA programs, and Canadian universities. Traditionally held during the winter academic break, the meet allows young swimmers to gain exposure, race elite competitors, and even secure recruitment opportunities.
Based at the Puerto Rico Winter Swimming Training Center, the competition is a cornerstone for collegiate programs seeking warm-weather training, with organizers offering full packages covering accommodation, training, and competition. Its sudden cancellation has disrupted training schedules and strained already complicated travel logistics for visiting teams.
Travel Chaos and Wider Impact on College Programs
The cancellation has compounded difficulties for college teams navigating travel to and from Puerto Rico amid the temporary closure of the island’s main airport following U.S. military actions near Venezuela. Some teams, such as Loyola Maryland, were forced to alter planned dual meets, with Loyola now racing alone after its scheduled competition against American University was scrapped.
Pediatric Deaths Signal Escalating Health Emergency
Beyond sports disruptions, the human toll continues to rise. Puerto Rico Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero confirmed that two more children died over the weekend from influenza-related complications, bringing the total fatalities this season to 85. Authorities are also investigating two additional suspected pediatric deaths.
As of December 20, health officials recorded 28,763 confirmed influenza cases, marking a sharp increase of 3,700 cases in just one week. Nearly half of all infections involve children and adolescents aged zero to 19, with about 6.2 percent requiring hospitalization. This
Medical News report highlights how deeply the outbreak is affecting younger populations.
Epidemic Declaration Looms as Cas
es Stay High
Influenza activity in Puerto Rico has remained above the epidemic threshold for six consecutive weeks. Officials warn that if the trend continues, a formal epidemic declaration could be issued as early as January. Ramos has urged residents to wear masks in crowded spaces such as hospitals clinics and public events to slow transmission.
Health experts warn that the combination of high transmission rates pediatric vulnerability and strained medical resources makes this season especially dangerous. Without urgent public cooperation vaccination and preventive measures the outbreak may worsen further placing additional pressure on healthcare systems schools and community activities across the island.
Media References:
https://www.sanjuandailystar.com/post/health-chief-flu-epidemic-could-be-declared-in-january
https://swimswam.com/puerto-ricos-copa-coqui-meet-canceled-after-flu-outbreak-leaves-swimmers-hospitalized/
For the latest H3N2 news, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/influenza-or-flu
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