The Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic has raised the alert over dengue, asking the population to intensify measures to control the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Víctor Atallah, explained that, although the case rate remains below the historical threshold, the climate conditions associated with the El Niño phenomenon could favor the reproduction of the vector and, therefore, it is necessary to maintain active surveillance.
Current state of the epidemic
As of epidemiological week 39 of 2026, the country has confirmed 15 new cases of dengue, adding a total of 396 confirmed cases in the year. The data show that dengue remains within the zone of success of the endemic corridor, that is, below the expected risk level according to the historical pattern 2019-2025. In addition, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported in the Americas region about 1.7 million suspected cases in the same week.
Prevention measures at home and in the community
- Seal tanks, cisterns, and water storage containers hermetically.
- Empty, brush, and clean weekly containers that can accumulate water, including their internal walls.
- Eliminate accumulated water in rubber, bottles, cans, pots, and other discarded objects.
- Check patios, roofs, and gutters after rains to detect possible breeding sites.
Atallah emphasized the importance of avoiding self-medication and seeking medical attention in time in case of symptoms such as high fever. It was recommended that, in case of suspected dengue, paracetamol or acetaminophen be used under medical indication, avoiding aspirin and ibuprofen due to the risk of bleeding.
Other health indicators
In the same epidemiological week, no cases of leptospirosis or malaria were confirmed, indicating a sustained reduction in these events. Regarding mortality, 120 maternal deaths were registered in the year, with 5 Dominican women and 3 of Haitian nationality in week 39. Infant mortality reached 45 deaths in the week, of which 38 were neonatal, totaling 1,500 annual infant deaths.
Credits: n.com.do
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