Health confirms 128 cases of dengue, 435 of malaria

Regarding dengue, Espaillat province accounted for 10.9% of cases, La Vega 9.4%, and Puerto Plata 7.8%. These are the three provinces with the highest incidence.

Malaria

Four cases of malaria were reported, three in the province of San Juan and one in Azua, both endemic areas that maintain active outbreaks of the disease. So far this year, 435 cases have been confirmed, with 50% concentrated in the Azua outbreak, followed by San Juan with 41%, and Elías Piña, which has registered 6% of the cases. Regarding nationality, 71% of those affected are of Dominican origin, while 29% are Haitian citizens. The most affected group is women between 20 and 29 years old. The Epidemiology Directorate reports in its bulletin that no new cases of cholera, leptospirosis, or COVID-19 were recorded.

Good news

The Ministry of Health, in its 24th bulletin, reports that no maternal deaths were reported in the country, which represents the strengthening of care provided to pregnant women in health centers.

As of week 24, 79 maternal deaths have been reported in the Dominican Republic, representing a decrease of eight deaths compared to the same period last year, when 87 were reported.

Recommendations

The Ministry of Health recommends that pregnant women attend their prenatal checkups on time and maintain a balanced diet.

Also, avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances, rest, avoid stress, and take the vitamins and supplements prescribed by your medical staff.

Respiratory viruses

During epidemiological week 24, the Doctor Defilló National Public Health Reference Laboratory processed 70 respiratory samples.

The circulation of different viruses has been confirmed, including Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, Influenza A (H3N2), Influenza B (Victoria lineage), SARS-CoV-2, and Parainfluenza virus.

The positivity rate for influenza was 12.9%, while for SARS-CoV-2 it was 2.9%. For other respiratory viruses, the rate was 4.3%, and for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), no positive cases were recorded.

Infant mortality

Regarding infant deaths this epidemiological week, 23 deaths were reported. The cumulative number of infant deaths over the past 25 weeks has been 771. Compared to the 2024 period, a reduction of 242 deaths is observed, according to the report.

Drug use

Regarding the commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the official report urges strengthening joint actions to prevent drug use, control trafficking, and protect the health and safety of the population. In the Dominican Republic, strategies to prevent and combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking have been strengthened, it states.

The country is working to strengthen its prevention efforts, according to a report from the General Directorate of Epidemiology.