Little Álaia has undergone open heart surgery at CEDIMAT, and her family is requesting platelet donors for her recovery.

Those interested in donating should go to the Blood Bank at the aforementioned health center.

Health Ministry urges citizens to reinforce hygiene as virus activity remains high.

The Ministry of Public Health has called on the population to strengthen hygiene measures due to a high incidence of circulating viruses.

According to the Ministry, it is intensifying epidemiological surveillance in response to ongoing viral activity, as reported in its latest bulletin for epidemiological week 21.

Health officials noted that the number of respiratory illness cases reported so far remains within expected seasonal parameters. However, they confirmed that sentinel surveillance for respiratory viruses continues, alongside strict enforcement of national health protocols at ports, airports, and other entry points. Hospitals are also maintaining active monitoring to identify new cases.

Viruses detected in circulation

During epidemiological week 21 of 2025, the following viruses were identified: influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, SARS-CoV-2, and adenovirus. Since the beginning of the year, additional viruses have been detected, including influenza A (H3N2), influenza B (Victoria lineage), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza viruses (types 1, 2, and 3), and human metapneumovirus.

Handwashing and prevention remain key.

The Ministry is urging the public to continue practicing basic preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering their mouths when coughing, using disposable tissues, and — especially for immunocompromised or vulnerable individuals — wearing masks in enclosed or crowded spaces. Self-medication is strongly discouraged.

Recognize symptoms and seek care early.

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing is advised to seek care at the nearest health center. Officials highlighted that climate change, rising temperatures, and the presence of Saharan dust have altered traditional seasonal patterns of viruses, contributing to increased transmissibility.

WHO alert and Southern Hemisphere trends

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert on April 17, 2025, anticipating a rise in influenza and other respiratory infections across the Southern Hemisphere. The alert encourages countries to strengthen surveillance and increase seasonal vaccination, particularly among high-risk groups.

Pest control takes center stage in the latest bulletin

This week’s health bulletin also emphasized pest control as a core strategy in global public health, essential for preventing the spread of communicable diseases and promoting safer, healthier environments.

Two new dengue cases were confirmed in week 21, bringing the 2025 total to 115. The current incidence rate stands at 2.65, representing an 87% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.

Santo Domingo.- Starting this Wednesday, the Saharan dust mass affecting the Dominican Republic will begin to subside, resulting in clearer skies and reduced atmospheric haze, according to the Dominican Meteorological Institute (Indomet).

Despite the gradual decline in dust concentration, the country will continue to experience intense heat due to limited cloud cover and warm southeasterly winds. These conditions, combined with lingering dust particles, will contribute to gray or dull skies. However, as the day progresses, a slight increase in moisture from southeast winds may lead to light, isolated showers—especially in areas such as Monte Plata, Monseñor Nouel, San Juan, and Elías Piña.

Indomet also noted that a moderate level of Saharan dust remains in the atmosphere, which, along with a high-pressure system, will limit the formation of significant cloud cover and maintain mostly sunny conditions.

Additionally, meteorologists are monitoring a non-tropical low-pressure system expected to move toward the southeastern United States over the next week. It currently has a low, 10% chance of developing into a cyclone and poses no threat to the Dominican Republic due to its distance and projected path.

Santo Domingo.- Sargassum levels in the Atlantic have reached a record-breaking 31 million tons, surpassing the previous high of 24 million, raising serious concerns among Caribbean scientists and coastal communities. Oceanographer Elena Martínez Martínez, co-founder of SOS Biotech, explained that this seaweed is now concentrated in a massive region called the Sargassum Belt, which stretches about 9,000 kilometers—nearly seven times the size of Spain. This area has expanded rapidly over the past five years.

Martínez noted that ocean currents are pushing the sargassum toward the Caribbean, intensifying its impact on the region. The phenomenon’s growth is linked to multiple factors, including rising ocean temperatures, increased atmospheric CO₂, and nutrient runoff from agricultural fertilizers. She also pointed out that Saharan dust, rich in micronutrients like iron, contributes to the problem.

Despite growing concerns, predicting the spread of sargassum remains difficult. Martínez admitted that current forecasting tools are inadequate and that sargassum has reached areas previously thought to be unaffected. For now, the main method of monitoring involves coastal sightings and emergency collection efforts to prevent it from damaging beaches.

Dominican women usually live in diverse conditions that affect their health. The most frequent are type II diabetes, breast cancer, cervix, mental health disorders, and arterial hypertension.

Addressing these problems requires comprehensive actions aimed at promoting healthy habits, which is the central theme of Bulletin number 20, published by the Ministry of Health.

Women’s health encompasses that of the entire family environment, which is why it is prioritized.

Health is a fundamental human right, and today, it is recognized that not only biology is related to health, but also social determinants, the socio-economic, environmental, and political decisions, according to the official document.

Health policies
It is considered essential in life.
Women to have integral health require regular access to medical controls, sexual and reproductive health education, and comprehensive, timely, and humanized services.

Strategies

The official document confirms that the Maternal Child Program has developed strategies aimed at enhancing the health of women.

Official actions
It works to update care protocols during pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, strengthen emergency obstetric care and training for obstetricians and residents, and promote obstetric post-event contraception.

In addition, active monitoring of maternal mortality is conducted through the activation of provincial committees and surveillance of avoidable cases. The Ministry of Health insists that work in education in nutrition and sexual health for pregnant women, alcohol syndrome prevention campaigns Fetal (SAF), and alarm signs during pregnancy.

Accompaniment in the stage of gestation, mainly in the communities of limited economic resources.

Gaps persist
Gaps and challenges persist. In 2023, a consensus was established to prioritize the health of women with actions that involve education, economic development, social protection, and the development of a normative framework. For this, the effort of all sectors of society is required, including women themselves as active protagonists of the change, the Ministry of Health assures in their argument.

The institutional response to women’s health challenges extends to the entire national health system, insists public health

While official health data from the Ministry of Health points to a downward trend in major health indicators, dengue cases remain under watch. Epidemiologically, high incidence rates are not expected at this time, yet during epidemiological week 19, two dengue cases were confirmed in five-year-olds—one in Puerto Plata, the other in San Cristóbal. The past four weeks have seen 13 recorded cases, marking a 73.5% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. So far in 2025, 94 cases have been confirmed, with the highest concentration in Espaillat, Puerto Plata, and Valverde.

Malaria Continues to Affect Young Men

From weeks 1 to 19 of 2025, 194 cases of malaria have been confirmed, with 57% affecting men, primarily aged 10 to 39 years. The highest concentration is in San Juan and Azua, though imported cases have been reported in Elías Piña, Santo Domingo, La Altagracia, Monte Cristi, Dajabón, and Sánchez Ramírez.

Leptospirosis Cases Confirmed Across 12 Provinces

As of epidemiological week 19, 22 cases of leptospirosis have been confirmed, with the highest numbers in La Altagracia and San Cristóbal. The disease has spread across 12 provinces.

Neonatal Mortality Remains a Challenge

Infant mortality figures reveal 23 deaths during epidemiological week 19, bringing the total for 2025 to 635 deaths—172 fewer than in the same period in 2024. The vast majority occur within the first 28 days of life, with neonatal mortality proving the hardest to reduce.

Maternal Mortality Disproportionately Impacts Santiago and Santo Domingo

During the same week, four maternal deaths were recorded from La Vega, Monte Plata, María Trinidad Sánchez, and Santo Domingo. The total count for 2025 stands at 66 maternal deaths, with 34% concentrated in Santiago and Santo Domingo. Of these, 53% were Dominican women, while 47% were Haitian.

Region of the Americas Sees Maternal Mortality Decline, Yet Targets Unmet

In 2023, maternal mortality in the Americas reached 7,850 deaths, reflecting a 15.7% decrease compared to 2000. Improved access to essential healthcare services has been credited for this decline, though official figures continue to spark debate. However, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the region remains at 59 deaths per 100,000 live births, still far above the regional target of 30 deaths per 100,000 live births set by the Pan American Health Organization’s Sustainable Health Agenda.

The downpours can also cause other problems that must be prevented.

The agency also reported a total of 88 confirmed cases of dengue fever. The cumulative incidence is 2.37.

The Ministry of Health confirmed the information in its weekly bulletin for week 18.

No new cases of malaria were reported this epidemiological week, but there have been 192 confirmed cases and 9,895 suspected cases this year.

The cumulative incidence per 100,000 inhabitants is 5.16. Similarly, no cases of leptospirosis were registered this week, and there have been 22 confirmed cases this year, with an incidence of 0.60.

Maternal deaths

During this epidemiological week 18, four maternal deaths have been confirmed, corresponding to three women of Dominican nationality and one Haitian woman.

The cumulative total up to week 18 is 58 deaths, representing a 12.1% decrease in fatalities compared to 2024.

About infant deaths, 38 deaths were reported this week.

44 deaths have been reported so far this year, reflecting a decrease in this indicator. The cumulative total for this year is 605 deaths, while last year’s cumulative total to date was 754 deaths, as can be seen in the data from the Ministry of Health.

To strengthen dengue prevention and control, the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has acquired new fumigation backpacks, which have been delivered to the 40 Provincial Health Directorates and Health Areas (DPS/DAS) throughout the country.

Impact of the measure

Health Minister Víctor Atallah stressed that this initiative seeks to further reduce the incidence of dengue compared to 2024 when a decrease of more than 350% was achieved thanks to preventive strategies.

Atallah recalled that this success was due to the “Eliminate, Clean, and Cover” campaign, which included garbage collection, cleaning, fumigation, education, and awareness about the importance of eliminating breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue.

International recognition

The minister highlighted that international organizations have recognized the Dominican Republic’s success in fighting dengue and have shown interest in replicating these strategies in other countries.

“By combating dengue in 2024, we achieved what other countries and international organizations thought was not possible,” Atallah said.

Commitment to prevention

The deputy minister of the Provincial Health Directorates, Luis Nelson Rosario, assured that they will continue working to ensure that dengue control results are even better in 2025.

Rosario thanked Minister Atallah for the delivery of the fumigation motorcycles, a key tool for preventing mosquito reproduction, along with other measures such as the use of abate and chlorine.

“If we work together with local councils and social groups, we will be able to maintain low levels of dengue and other diseases,” he added.

Presence of authorities

The handover ceremony was attended by the deputy ministers of Public Health, Eladio Pérez, Risk Management and Environment, Gina Estrella, the provincial health directors, and other Ministry officials.

In its bulletin corresponding to Epidemiological Week Number 13, the Directorate of Epidemiology (DIEPI) shows that most diseases under special surveillance maintain a downward trend.

Among these health events are leptospirosis, cholera, COVID-19, human rabies, and other vaccine-preventable diseases, such as meningococcal disease, diphtheria, and polio.

Likewise, this week, the number of dengue cases continued to be low, with six cases reported. Children between one and four years of age were the most affected. Up to the 13th epidemiological week, there were 58 cases of the disease.

Nine confirmed cases of malaria remain in the already identified hotspots (San Juan, Azua, and Santo Domingo). This year, there have been 135 cases, and the accumulated incidence stands at 5.02 per 100,000 inhabitants.

No cases of leptospirosis have been recorded for this week. The accumulated number of confirmed cases is 20 this year, and the incidence of suspected cases is 0.75 per 100,000 inhabitants.

The DIEPI bulletin highlights the circulation of several respiratory viruses, such as influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, Influenza A (h3n2), Adenovirus, and SARS COV-2, for which the Ministry of Public Health has reinforced monitoring and case-control strategies through sentinel surveillance and virological analysis.

It urges people to take preventive measures, such as frequent hand washing, mask use in people with flu-like symptoms, and going to the nearest health center in case of fever or general malaise.

Maternal and infant deaths

In epidemiological week 13, two maternal deaths were reported, corresponding to women of Haitian nationality. The accumulated number of cases is 42 deaths up to this epidemiological week; last year, there were 49 accumulated deaths on the same date.

Twenty-eight infant deaths were reported this week, compared to 36 deaths reported the previous year, reflecting a reduction in the indicator. The accumulated total is 448 deaths this year, and in 2024, 557 deaths were reported at the same date.

In epidemiological week 12 of 2025, 245 suspected malaria cases were reported, totaling 5,521. However, the number of confirmed cases is 87, according to the General Directorate of Epidemiology, an agency of the Ministry of Health.

33.3% of confirmed cases affected the age range of 20 to 29 years.

The cumulative incidence of cases is 3.51 per 100,000 inhabitants, with the province of San Juan having the highest incidence.

Of the reported cases, 22.46% correspond to people of nationality, which has intensified the active search for cases, especially in migrant communities and agricultural settlements, considered high risk for the transmission of the disease transmitted by the bite of the Anopheles mosquito.

Among the actions implemented, epidemiological surveillance has been reinforced, primarily through actively detecting febrile cases with a specific focus on high-mobility areas.

Dengue

Regarding dengue, in the Dominican Republic, in epidemiological week 12, 29 suspected cases of dengue were reported without confirmed cases. The cumulative number to that week is 473 suspected cases and 37 confirmed cases. 33.3% of confirmed cases affected people between the ages of 10 and 19, with 57% of cases affecting males. The disease is transmitted through the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Leptospirosis

In epidemiological week 12, three suspected cases of leptospirosis were reported, with no new confirmed cases.

The cumulative number reached 118 suspected cases and 19 confirmed cases. 95% of the confirmed cases affected males between the ages of 20 and 29, with 42.1%. No deaths are recorded in this indicator.

The cumulative incidence of suspected cases is 4.76 per 100,000 inhabitants; San José de Ocoa is the province with the highest incidence, with 52.11 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

52.6%(10) of the confirmed cases are of Haitian nationality, and 47% (9) are Dominican. The Ministry of Health continues to strengthen strategies for controlling the disease, such as rodent control and sanitation measures.

Hepatitis B

The report indicates that 29% affected the age group of 60 or older, followed by 22.1% in 40 to 49 years, affecting both sexes with 50% of cases.