Public Health: Dengue cases reach 185 as respiratory illnesses remain stable

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health reported that endemic diseases remain under control in the Dominican Republic, with low transmission levels and continued epidemiological surveillance.

According to the latest epidemiological bulletin, three new dengue cases were confirmed during epidemiological week 28, bringing the 2026 total to 185 cases. No new malaria or cholera cases were reported, while one new case of leptospirosis raised the cumulative total to 238.

Health officials also said respiratory illnesses remain within expected seasonal levels. Five respiratory virus cases were confirmed during the week, including four cases of Influenza A (H3N2) and one case of COVID-19, with no signs of an epidemiological alert.

The bulletin also reported continued improvements in maternal and infant mortality. No maternal deaths were recorded during the week, leaving the year-to-date total at 72, a 27% decrease compared with the same period in 2025. Infant deaths totaled 949 for the year, down 10% from last year.

Separately, the ministry marked World Head and Neck Cancer Day by urging the public to reduce risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, seek early medical evaluation for persistent symptoms, and maintain healthy lifestyles to improve early detection and prevention.