Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health issued a new epidemiological alert for dengue on Monday, responding to an uptick in cases across the Americas region. In 2023, the region experienced its most severe year for the disease, with over 4.5 million people affected and 2,340 deaths.

Despite a sustained decline in dengue cases in the country over the last 22 weeks, there is concern that the situation could change in 2024 due to significant global climate changes. Consequently, the ministry declared an epidemiological alert, recommending the implementation of strategies to control the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which reduces the transmission of the dengue virus, and the reinforcement of epidemiological surveillance.

The alert also calls for the establishment of a rapid response mechanism and the assurance of quality care for individuals with dengue. This decision comes as 3,889 suspected cases of dengue were reported in the first five weeks of the year.

Dengue incidence typically rises during the summer months, coinciding with the most humid season in the Caribbean. This favorable environment facilitates the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also carries other diseases such as chikungunya and Zika.

Recalling the epidemic outbreak of dengue in the Dominican Republic last year, which saw 27,972 confirmed cases and 34 deaths, the ministry is taking proactive measures to address the potential risks in the current year.

Source: EFE