Specialist warns of respiratory virus outbreak in Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo – An outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus is affecting the Dominican population, especially young children, the elderly, and people with health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. This highly aggressive virus could cause hospitalizations in the most vulnerable groups.

This was reported to Diario Libre by Dr. Madelin Ventura Portorreal, perinatologist pediatrician, and clinical nutritionist, who has urged the population to take extreme precautions.

“It is essential to wear masks in public spaces, wash your hands frequently, and gargle with salt water when leaving and returning home,” she said. She also recommended avoiding touching your face with dirty hands and using disinfectant gel in the street.

To detect the virus, Portorreal suggested performing a short respiratory panel, which identifies syncytial viruses, COVID-19 and influenza A and B, available in clinical study laboratories. She explained that tests must be done within the first five days of respiratory symptoms.

Finally, the doctor asked not to send children with respiratory symptoms to schools to prevent contagion. “Prevention is key,” concluded Ventura Portorreal.