Santo Domingo, DR — Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are currently the most prevalent respiratory viruses circulating in the Dominican Republic, according to the Ministry of Public Health’s epidemiological bulletin for week 25. Both viruses show a positivity rate of 10.5%, based on samples analyzed at the Dr. Defilló National Reference Laboratory.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 transmission continues to decline, with a recorded positivity rate of 5.3% in the latest report.
Public Health Recommendations
In light of the current respiratory virus landscape, health officials are urging the population to stay up to date with influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations, especially individuals in high-risk categories such as the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and healthcare workers.
The Ministry is also reinforcing standard preventive measures, including:
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Wearing face masks in enclosed public spaces
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Frequent handwashing
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Ensuring proper ventilation in homes and workplaces
The public is advised to seek immediate medical care if experiencing persistent fever or breathing difficulties, and to rely only on verified information from official health channels to avoid the spread of misinformation.
Dengue and Malaria Cases on the Rise
In addition to respiratory viruses, vector-borne illnesses remain a concern. Sixteen new cases of dengue fever were confirmed in the past four weeks, bringing the national total to 134 confirmed cases through week 24, with two additional cases reported last week.
The provinces with the highest case concentrations include:
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Espaillat (14 cases)
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La Vega (12)
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Puerto Plata (11)
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San Pedro de Macorís (9)
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Duarte (8)
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Monte Cristi (6)
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Santo Domingo (6)
Among the most recent patients are a three-year-old boy in Santiago and a 13-year-old girl in Santo Domingo Este.
Meanwhile, malaria cases have reached 450 nationwide since the start of the year, with 23 new cases reported last week—22 of them women. The provinces reporting the most new cases are La Altagracia (5), San Cristóbal (3), Santo Domingo (2), San Pedro de Macorís (2), and La Romana (2).
San Juan and Azua remain the main hotspots, with 226 and 183 cases, respectively. Men account for 60% of all malaria cases recorded so far this year.
Maternal and Infant Health Statistics
The report also noted two maternal deaths last week, involving women aged 18 and 33. So far this year, 81 maternal deaths have been registered across the country. The majority occurred in:
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Santiago (15 deaths)
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Santo Domingo (12)
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La Altagracia (10)
Of these, 43 were Dominican nationals and 38 were Haitian women.
In terms of infant mortality, 31 infant deaths were reported in the penultimate epidemiological week, contributing to a total of 809 deaths so far this year. Health authorities highlight this figure as a 24% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.
The Ministry continues to monitor disease trends through the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) and emphasizes the importance of public cooperation to prevent further transmission and reduce health risks nationwide.
