The country has recorded 14 deaths from leptospirosis so far this year.
In epidemiological week 23, three deaths from the disease were recorded, and four cases were confirmed: two in the National District, one in Monte Plata, and one in Santo Domingo.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — The epidemiological bulletin of the Ministry of Public Health reports a total of 14 deaths from leptospirosis in the country so far this year, a disease transmitted by contact of people with the urine of infected animals.
In epidemiological week 23, three deaths from the disease were recorded, and four cases were confirmed: two in the National District, one in Monte Plata, and one in Santo Domingo.
The total number of confirmed cases so far in 2026 is 179, with 4 in Puerto Plata, 21 in Santo Domingo, and 13 in Espaillat.
Public Health officials explain that the cases are due to increased rainfall and flooding in the country. They assert that these conditions increase the risk of exposure to disease-carrying vectors.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and can be contracted through exposure to stagnant water and contact with infected rodents.
Its most characteristic symptoms are high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, chills, red eyes, and vomiting or diarrhea, and they usually appear between five and 14 days after exposure to urine contaminated with the Leptospira bacteria.
The Ministry of Public Health emphasizes that it maintains strong epidemiological surveillance, early detection through active search for febrile cases, timely sample collection, and regular notification to the surveillance system.
The epidemiological bulletin also highlights that three cases of dengue were reported between June 7 and 13, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 125 as of last week. The cases were distributed among the provinces of La Altagracia, San Juan, and La Romana.
Regarding malaria, a total of 97 cases have been reported to date. No new cases were confirmed this week.
Regarding tetanus in other age groups, one case was reported this week in the province of Dajabón, bringing the total to 13.
The report also indicates that seven cases of SARS-CoV-2 were detected this week.
It is recalled that during the first 23 weeks of 2026, the circulation of various respiratory viruses has been identified, including SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A(H3N2), Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, Influenza B, Adenovirus, Metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza virus.
Public Health highlights that in the first weeks of the year, the detection of unsubtyped Influenza A, Influenza A(H3N2), and Influenza B predominated, while from week 19 onwards, a gradual increase in SARS-CoV-2 detections was observed.
Maternal deaths totaled 57 in the first six months of the year, and infant deaths 697.
World Vitiligo Day
This June 25th marked World Vitiligo Day, a chronic autoimmune skin disease in which the immune system destroys the cells responsible for producing color in the skin, eyes, and hair ( melanin).
According to estimates from international health organizations, 0.5% to 2% of people worldwide live with this condition.
The Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, highlights that there are treatments to limit the progression of spots on the body and to repigment patients.
Public Health explains that the destruction can be selective, partial, or complete, and can affect the skin and mucous membranes. It notes that the cause is currently unknown, but it is considered a “systemic autoimmune process related to a genetic predisposition.”
Vitiligo typically causes progressive white patches on the skin, but it does not alter the skin’s structure and is not contagious. The patches may appear suddenly or gradually.
Vitiligo most often affects the face, elbows and knees, the backs of the hands and feet, as well as the genitals. It also affects both sides of the body equally.
Vitiligo is more noticeable in people with dark skin due to the contrast of the white patches against the dark skin.
