Only 11 of Puerto Rico’s 69 hospitals have power or fuel, leaving the few hospitals that are open to handle injured patients, according to an article on the Fierce Healthcare website.
Some fear the worst is yet to come as hospitals brace for a second wave of illness as outbreaks of disease are likely due to the spread of mosquitoes.
Kenneth Sturrock, the federal health coordinator for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, told the Wall Street Journal that the two main priorities are securing more fuel for generators and clean water for patient care.
HHS has more than 300 personnel on the islands and has additional teams of medical professionals available if needed, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Beyond Backup Generators: Building Layered Energy Resilience
Shannon Health System to Acquire Scenic Mountain Medical Center
First Rehabilitation Resources Ensnared in Email Breach
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease on the Rise
Preparing for the Hazards of Winter Weather