Respiratory viruses surge as child deaths spike in Dominican Republic’s week 29 health report

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health’s latest epidemiological bulletin paints a stark picture of rising respiratory infections and a worrying toll of infant fatalities during week 29 (July 13–19). Authorities confirmed 22 new COVID-19 cases out of 209 samples—an 8 percent positivity rate—while 25 children under one year old lost their lives, bringing the year-to-date infant death total to 970.

The National Reference Laboratory Dr. Defilló detected active circulation of multiple respiratory viruses, including influenza B (Victoria lineage) at 8.3 percent positivity, and a combined 13.9 percent for adenovirus, parainfluenza, influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus. Sentinel surveillance recorded 24 severe acute respiratory infections, raising the 2025 cumulative to 882 cases.

Infant mortality soars amid respiratory outbreak

Child mortality remains a critical concern: neonatal deaths accounted for 85.4 percent (829) of the total infant fatalities. Public Health also reported two maternal deaths this week—one Haitian and one Dominican woman aged 20–39—bringing the maternal death count to 91, a 12 percent decline from 103 at this stage in 2024.

Vector-borne diseases held steady. Of 303 suspected malaria cases, seven tested positive, contributing to a 2025 tally of 649 laboratory-confirmed infections, with San Juan and Azua provinces most affected. Dengue fever saw 26 suspected cases and one confirmed infection, while leptospirosis recorded seven new suspicions and no additional confirmations. No deaths were linked to malaria, dengue or leptospirosis.

Regions hardest hit by COVID-19 included the National District, Espaillat and Duarte, with an incidence of 74.24 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last four weeks. Health officials urge continued vaccination, mask use in crowded settings and prompt medical attention for respiratory symptoms, especially among infants and pregnant women.

With respiratory pathogens on the rise and nearly a thousand young lives lost, public health experts warn that strengthened surveillance, expanded ICU capacity and community outreach are essential to avert further tragedies. The week 29 report underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in the country’s healthcare infrastructure to protect its most vulnerable citizens.