Puerto Rico health officials declare flu epidemic

The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico has declared a flu epidemic.

Health officials are urging people to vaccinate themselves and say they have requested money from the Puerto Rico government to buy more flu vaccine.

The Health Department says nearly 3,800 cases have been reported and nearly 400 people have been hospitalized since the season began last July.

Health Secretary Ana Rius said Thursday that 1,349 cases were reported this week, compared with 781 cases last week. Five people died last year.