Dominican Republic reports 83% drop in malaria incidence in 2026

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic recorded an 83% decline in malaria incidence compared with the same period last year, falling from 9.60 to 1.67 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the Ministry of Health.

Five new cases were confirmed during epidemiological week 43, bringing the 2026 total to 152 cases, the Directorate of Epidemiology (DIEPI) reported.

Authorities attributed the decline to intensified surveillance and targeted interventions in communities where cases have been detected. Measures include identifying people with fever, ensuring timely supervised treatment, fumigation, larvicide application and eliminating breeding sites for the Anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria.

Health teams are also conducting community education campaigns promoting the use of mosquito nets and repellents.

Meanwhile, no new cases of leptospirosis were reported during the week, leaving the cumulative total at 305, with an incidence of 3.34 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

The Dominican Republic recorded an 83% decline in malaria incidence compared with the same period last year, falling from 9.60 to 1.67 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the Ministry of Health.

Five new cases were confirmed during epidemiological week 43, bringing the 2026 total to 152 cases, the Directorate of Epidemiology (DIEPI) reported.

Authorities attributed the decline to intensified surveillance and targeted interventions in communities where cases have been detected. Measures include identifying people with fever, ensuring timely supervised treatment, fumigation, larvicide application and eliminating breeding sites for the Anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria.

Health teams are also conducting community education campaigns promoting the use of mosquito nets and repellents.