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BiggerDominican Republic had a case of human rabies last year
Ministry of Health headquarters building in the DR
One of the main obstacles faced by health authorities in vaccinating animals against rabies is the low level of community collaboration. This disease, almost always fatal, registered a case of animal rabies in 2024.
Between 2015 and 2024, a total of 14 cases of rabies in humans have been recorded. In the period between 2015 and 2018, four cases were reported annually, while between 2019 and 2024, the incidence was significantly lower, with one case per year in 2019 and 2024.
The geographical distribution shows that the most affected provinces were San Juan, Distrito Nacional, Pedernales, Puerto Plata and Monte Plata. Within these areas, the most vulnerable groups were children under 10 years of age and adults over 70 years of age, which highlights a greater exposure or susceptibility in these populations.
In terms of the source of transmission, dogs were identified as the main vector, responsible for 12 confirmed cases. Likewise, two cases associated with mongooses were reported, which shows the participation of other species in the spread of the virus.
Priority
According to the epidemiological bulletin of week number three of 2025, in the Dominican Republic, the control and prevention of rabies have become a priority for the authorities.
Epidemiological surveillance plays a fundamental role in the early identification of cases and in implementing prevention strategies.
Rabies causes nearly 59,000 human deaths a year worldwide.
