Cases of rabies generate concern in Santiago, how serious is the situation?

Upon detecting these cases, the Provincial Directorate of Health (DPS) immediately activated the established protocol, guaranteeing the vaccination of exposed people and rigorous medical monitoring. In addition, control measures were implemented in the community, such as mass vaccination of domestic animals and epidemiological tracking to prevent the spread of the virus.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that the priority is to protect the population and prevent disease transmission. Since mongoose are wild animals and cannot be vaccinated, constant vigilance is maintained to prevent aggressions and apply the necessary measures in case they occur.

Epidemiological control and surveillance

“The control of the anti-rabies outbreak, after an aggression, includes a survey to identify possible people who have had contact with the infected animal. They are vaccinated in several doses and are given constant medical follow-up. Likewise, animals are vaccinated in the affected area and strict supervision is maintained to guarantee the safety of the community,” the entity explained in a press release.

The Ministry stressed that animal rabies control and prevention are priorities in the Dominican Republic. Epidemiological surveillance plays a key role in the early detection of cases and implementing preventive strategies.

Samples from the offending animals are sent to the Dr. Defilló National Public Health Laboratory to diagnose animal rabies.

Each province has hospitals and rabies vaccination points to care for people exposed to bites from domestic or wild animals. The Provincial Health Directorates (DPS) and Health Area Directorates (DAS) also offer free animal vaccination throughout the year, strengthening rabies prevention and control in the community.

Recommendations to avoid rabies

Rabies is a severe disease, but it can be prevented if you act in time. Mongooses, being wild animals, can carry the virus and transmit it to dogs, cats, and humans if they bite them.

The Ministry of Health recommends the following:

If an animal bites or scratches you, act immediately: Wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.

Apply iodine or alcohol to reduce the risk of infection.

Go to the nearest health center and report whether the animal was domestic or wild.

How to prevent rabies in the community: Vaccinate your dogs and cats yearly, and avoid contact with wild animals.
If you see an animal with strange behavior (aggressive, wobbly, drooling), report it to the authorities. If an unknown animal bites you, seek medical help immediately.

Health authorities reiterated that vaccination is free and available year-round at hospitals and vaccination centers across the country, as is the vaccine for canines and felines, available at DPS/DAS.