Government reports control over Dengue, Chikungunya, and other tropical diseases

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) highlighted its ongoing efforts to prevent, control, and eliminate tropical diseases such as dengue, leprosy, rabies, chikungunya, and others. Notably, dengue cases saw a significant reduction of over 65% in 2024 due to preventive measures, despite regional forecasts predicting higher numbers. Chikungunya remains under control with only 24 reported cases in the last four years. Additionally, the ministry vaccinated nearly one million dogs and cats against rabies and dewormed over 1.7 million schoolchildren. Leprosy cases have also remained low, with fewer than one case per 100,000 inhabitants since 2023.

According to the latest Epidemiological Bulletin (Week 05), dengue cases have dropped significantly from 286 last year to just 14 this year. Malaria cases have decreased by 48% compared to 2024, and no cholera cases have been reported. However, two deaths from meningococcal disease were confirmed, along with eight new malaria cases and 14 COVID-19 infections. Maternal and infant mortality rates have also declined, with maternal deaths dropping from 25 to 16 and infant deaths decreasing from 54 to 34 compared to the same period last year. The MSP continues to focus on primary care to protect vulnerable populations from these diseases.