Dominican Ministry of Public Health says respiratory virus circulation remains within expected levels

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic reported that the circulation of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses remains stable and within expected seasonal levels, with no epidemiological alerts currently in place. According to the latest bulletin for Epidemiological Week 18, health authorities continue active monitoring of viruses including SARS-CoV-2, influenza A(H3N2), and influenza A(H1N1) to quickly detect any changes in transmission patterns.

The ministry also reminded the public that free COVID-19 testing remains available at the National Needle Industry (Inaguja) parking lot behind the Ministry of Health headquarters. Officials urged citizens to maintain preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, keeping indoor spaces ventilated, and seeking medical care if symptoms persist. Vaccination was especially recommended for older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.

The epidemiological report showed improvements in several priority health indicators. Malaria cases dropped by 84% compared to the same period in 2025, with 78 confirmed cases recorded so far this year. Dengue also remains under control, with 93 confirmed cases nationwide, while no cholera cases or deaths have been reported in 2026.

Health authorities, however, continue to monitor leptospirosis, which has reached 117 confirmed cases this year, including nine new cases and two deaths reported during Week 18. Officials noted that rainfall and environmental conditions continue to increase the risk of transmission and said prevention and control efforts remain active.