Public Health warns of leptospirosis, diarrheal disease risks amid rains

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health has activated its Health Emergency Operations Center (COE Salud) and situation rooms at provincial and area health directorates to strengthen disease surveillance and prevent health risks associated with rains and flooding caused by a trough affecting the Dominican Republic.

The Epidemiology Directorate issued an Epidemiological Alert for Floods to facilitate early detection and reporting of diseases and other public health threats in affected communities.

During a coordination meeting Tuesday, health authorities reviewed weather conditions, epidemiological surveillance, sanitation needs, and measures to maintain essential health services. The meeting included 113 risk management, epidemiology, and environmental health representatives from provincial and area health directorates, along with central-level technical teams and representatives of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization.

Authorities warned that flooding and interruptions in drinking water supplies could increase the risk of acute diarrheal diseases and illnesses linked to contaminated water, including leptospirosis. Other risks include skin infections, respiratory illnesses associated with humidity, increased mosquito breeding sites, and difficulties accessing routine medical treatments.

Health teams are also monitoring hospitals and communities affected by the weather. At Robert Reid Cabral Hospital, authorities verified measures involving emergency power generation and the temporary relocation of consultations after a high-voltage incident damaged the facility’s main wiring. Coordination was also established with Edesur.

In Batey 2, Bahoruco province, health and Civil Defense teams conducted an initial assessment and carried out drainage work following flooding in the community.

Public Health said it will continue coordinating with provincial and area health authorities, medical facilities, and civil protection agencies to assess damage and needs, monitor epidemiological risks, and ensure medical care, particularly in areas where access has been affected.