Santo Domingo, DR – The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health has confirmed 128 cases of dengue fever and 435 cases of malaria so far in 2025, according to data from the General Directorate of Epidemiology’s 24th bulletin.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, remains a public health concern. The provinces of Espaillat (10.9%), La Vega (9.4%), and Puerto Plata (7.8%) reported the highest number of cases, accounting for the most significant concentrations of the virus.
Malaria Outbreaks Persist in Endemic Areas
Meanwhile, malaria, a febrile disease spread by the female Anopheles mosquito, continues to impact endemic regions. Four new cases were reported this past week—three in San Juan and one in Azua, both areas currently experiencing active outbreaks.
Of the 435 malaria cases recorded in 2025:
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50% originated in Azua
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41% were reported in San Juan
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6% in Elías Piña
The majority of those infected—71%—are Dominican nationals, while 29% are Haitian citizens. Women between the ages of 20 and 29 are the most affected demographic.
No new cases of cholera, leptospirosis, or COVID-19 were reported during the latest epidemiological week.
Maternal Health Improves, No Deaths Reported This Week
The Ministry of Health reported no maternal deaths during the current epidemiological week—a sign of improving prenatal care services in the country’s health system. As of week 24, a total of 79 maternal deaths have been recorded in 2025—eight fewer than the 87 deaths registered during the same period in 2024.
Health officials encourage pregnant women to attend regular prenatal checkups, maintain a balanced diet, avoid alcohol, tobacco, and stress, and follow their doctors’ recommendations, including prescribed vitamins and supplements.
Respiratory Viruses Under Surveillance
The National Public Health Laboratory Doctor Defilló processed 70 respiratory samples during epidemiological week 24. Several viruses were confirmed to be circulating:
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Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09
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Influenza A (H3N2)
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Influenza B (Victoria lineage)
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SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
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Parainfluenza virus
Positivity rates were:
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12.9% for influenza
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2.9% for SARS-CoV-2
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4.3% for other respiratory viruses
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0% for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Infant Mortality Sees Notable Decline
The country reported 23 infant deaths during the current week. Cumulatively, 771 infant deaths have been recorded over the past 25 weeks, reflecting a reduction of 242 deaths compared to the same period in 2024.
Health Authorities Urge Action Against Drug Abuse
In observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Dominican authorities renewed their commitment to strengthening national strategies to prevent drug abuse, reduce trafficking, and protect public health and safety.
Efforts include expanded awareness campaigns, inter-agency cooperation, and community outreach to curb substance use and support rehabilitation.
The Ministry of Public Health continues to monitor the epidemiological landscape, urging citizens to stay informed through official channels and follow preventive measures, especially as seasonal changes and population movements heighten health risks across the country.
