Individuals currently suffering from respiratory illnesses are more likely to be infected with influenza or COVID-19, the two types of respiratory viruses that have been most prevalent in the country in recent weeks.
Among mosquito-borne diseases, malaria continues to be the most prevalent in the Dominican population, with 435 suspected cases and 12 confirmed cases detected in the first week of June, bringing the total number of suspected cases and 387 confirmed cases so far this year to 13,359.
According to the report for epidemiological week 23, which covers the first seven days of June, 72 samples of respiratory viruses were processed at the Dr. Defilló National Reference Laboratory in Public Health, identifying the circulation of Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, SARS-CoV-2, and Parainfluenza.
The positivity rates were 4.4% for influenza, 2.9% for SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus), and 4.3% for other respiratory viruses. In contrast, no positive cases of syncytial virus (RSV) were reported, the report states, which also highlights that these results indicate the presence of different respiratory viral agents in the population, underscoring the importance of maintaining active and sustained surveillance.
The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) reports that it continues to implement comprehensive measures to reduce the transmission of respiratory diseases, prioritizing early detection, timely treatment, and effective control.
Additionally, the public is reminded to maintain frequent hand washing, wear masks when around people with symptoms, and disinfect surfaces to prevent outbreaks. They are also encouraged to seek medical attention if they experience respiratory problems or other health conditions.
Regarding sentinel surveillance for acute respiratory infections (ARIs), it is reported that 25 suspected cases were reported in the last week, with no confirmed cases, for a cumulative total of 676 suspected cases and 99 confirmed cases so far this year.
Of the total confirmed cases, 76% were in children under 10 years of age. Acute respiratory infection manifests with the sudden onset of a fever of 38°C or higher and respiratory symptoms in the previous 10 days. It can progress to respiratory distress, seizures, or ventilatory failure, which, without prompt intervention, can lead to death.
During the first week of June, the epidemiological surveillance system confirmed 12 cases of malaria and one case of dengue.
Regarding malaria, it is noteworthy that 435 suspected cases and 12 confirmed cases have been reported, bringing the cumulative total to 13,359 suspected cases and 387 confirmed cases so far this year. According to the Ministry of Public Health, this represents a significant reduction compared to the same period in 2024, with a 33% decrease in confirmed cases.
The report indicates that 31.5% of confirmed malaria cases in the Dominican Republic are Haitian, which has prompted increased active case-finding in migrant and agricultural communities.
The Ministry of Public Health reports that it is strengthening strategies for early detection, timely treatment, and vector control to advance the elimination of diseases. These efforts aim to create an effective and sustained response to eradicate malaria in the country.
Between January 1 and January 7, 38 suspected cases of dengue fever were reported, along with one confirmed case, for a total of 947 suspected cases and 120 confirmed cases so far this year.
The report indicates that, compared to the same period in 2024, there was an 88.1% decrease in suspected cases and an 87% decrease in confirmed cases, reflecting a significant reduction in the incidence of the disease.
As of epidemiological week 20 of 2025, the Region of the Americas reported 2,902,500 suspected cases of dengue, with a cumulative incidence of 286 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This figure represents a 71% decrease compared to the same period in 2024 and a 13% decrease compared to the average of the previous five years.
Another disease under surveillance is leptospirosis, which is transmitted by a bacterium that infects humans when they come into contact with the urine of infected animals and are exposed to contaminated water.
In the country, during epidemiological week 23, three suspected cases of leptospirosis were reported, bringing the total to 205 suspected cases and 23 confirmed cases for the first six months of the year.
27%, or approximately 55 cases, are patients of Haitian nationality, and 73%, or approximately 149 cases, are Dominicans.
Among the prevention strategies being developed by the Ministry of Health are rodent control and sanitation measures, including improving access to drinking water, reducing exposure to stagnant water, and promoting good hygiene practices. Animal vaccination campaigns are also being conducted, particularly in areas where livestock can serve as a reservoir for the Leptospira bacteria.