In the results of gastrointestinal cultures or panels prescribed for patients, many come back positive for bacteria that are mostly linked to the consumption of contaminated food and water.

This was revealed yesterday in an interview with Listín Diario by infectious disease specialist and researcher Clevy Pérez Sánchez, former president of the Dominican Society of Infectious Diseases. She explained that the types of bacteria and viruses she has been detecting most in her patients are Shigella, Clesiopmola, Salmonella, and enteropathogenic bacteria, as well as norovirus and rotavirus.

“I can’t really say it’s disproportionate because there are always many cases of vomiting and diarrhea in the country, but there have definitely been more cases of gastroenteritis confirmed by gastrointestinal panels in the last month,” he said.

He emphasized that the country’s leading clinical laboratories now have gastrointestinal panel tests, which, unlike stool cultures, which sometimes yield nothing, detect bacterial or viral DNA and provide a rapid report within a couple of hours, facilitating diagnosis.

More surveillance

The specialist noted that she has had some cases presenting symptoms after vacationing and others who have eaten outside the home, so she believes it is essential for the country to strengthen supervision of the conditions of places where food is sold.

He noted that, although the Ministry of Public Health is doing important work in licensing restaurants, it’s always important to monitor the food processing process.

He added that the suspicion of consuming contaminated food arises because, typically, an affected patient is received by a family member with several people living there, and when the investigation is carried out, the affected person has eaten out.

More surveillance

The most common symptoms these patients report are diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain, which is a pain that tightens and then goes away, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever.

Pérez Sánchez said that aside from official supervision of facilities, it’s always essential for people to maintain high levels of hygiene, drink safe water, and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. He gave strawberries as an example, which should be cleaned with safe water and a portion of baking soda to eliminate contamination.

He also advises avoiding the use of medications that reduce stomach acid, unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

He explained that he is seeing this increase in his private practice, which is for adults, but that he understands it may be occurring at the level of public centers and in both adult and pediatric populations.

Everyday life

On the subject, gastroenterologist Socrates Bautista recalls that gastrointestinal infections are always common, as this is a tropical country.

“Here we have parasitic infections with amoeba, giardia, lamblia, etc. In addition to bacteria, viruses, and even fungi, on rare occasions we can have some rare acute fulminant diseases, such as some infections that stimulate secretion, such as cholera,” he said.

“All of this is part of the day-to-day routine of a gastroenterology practice,” the specialist emphasized.

More Covid

Meanwhile, pulmonologist Evangelina Soler noted that she is seeing increased circulation of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses among the population, especially influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.

He noted that patients report ailments caused by these respiratory viruses, but gastric ailments are not among the primary symptoms in the patients he has treated with these viruses.

Epidemiological report number 31, issued yesterday, reports 122 cases of Covid-19 in the last three weeks, for a total of 823 cases so far this year.

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Cases of dengue virus continue to surge in Hawaii, with the state recently reporting the 12th case so far this year.

One case was confirmed on the island of Maui, with the remaining 11 occurring on Oahu.

In the latest case, the person was exposed while traveling in a region where dengue is common, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) reported.

TIGER MOSQUITOES BLAMED FOR SPREAD OF DENGUE FEVER: ‘MOST INVASIVE SPECIES’

Dengue fever is a virus spread through bites from an infected mosquito. 

It is common in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, as well as many Caribbean destinations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Other countries reporting spikes in dengue fever include Mexico, Fiji, French Polynesia, Tonga, Samoa, the Philippines, Colombia and Brazil. Puerto Rico also has an ongoing dengue outbreak, along with American Samoa. 

In 2024, there were 1,984 dengue cases in the U.S., according to CDC data.

While mosquitoes carrying dengue may be present in Hawaii, the disease is "not endemic" in the state, the DOH stated, adding that "cases are currently limited to travelers."

Typical symptoms of dengue include aches and pains (in the eyes, muscles, joints, or bones), nausea, vomiting and rash — usually experienced within two weeks of being bitten.

Most people experience symptoms for two to seven days before recovering.

DENGUE FEVER CASES RISING IN POPULAR SPRING BREAK LOCATIONS, CDC ALERTS

"It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death," Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a leading medical and security services company, previously told Fox News Digital. 

There is not currently any medication to treat dengue, according to the CDC. 

Infected people are advised to rest, take acetaminophen for pain and fever, stay hydrated and see a doctor.

There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and are living in areas where the infection is common.

In its alert, the Hawaii DOH called for travelers returning from dengue-endemic areas to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks.

"If dengue symptoms develop within two weeks of return, travelers should seek medical evaluation," the health agency advised.

Experts also recommend eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Some examples include buckets, water-catching plants (such as bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left outside, per the DOH. 

"Pouring out containers of standing water can significantly reduce the potential for mosquito breeding," the agency stated.

Fischer added, "It’s important to wear insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or lemon and eucalyptus oil, as these ingredients are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects."

"Those who live in areas with mosquito populations should try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially at dusk and in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, to avoid getting bitten on exposed skin."

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Keeping screens on windows and doors is also a good way to prevent insects from entering and potentially causing the spread of disease, he said. 

"If you live in an area that has a high level of mosquito-borne diseases, you should use mosquito nets when sleeping and eliminate any standing water in and around the home, since still bodies of water are breeding grounds for the insects," Fischer added.

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Experts recommend using EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outdoors in areas where mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent.

Those who are spending prolonged time outdoors should consider treating their clothing with permethrin, which helps to repel insects.

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Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health reported that, up to week 31 of this year, the Dominican Republic has recorded 697 confirmed malaria cases and 165 dengue cases, with no deaths from either disease. In the last week alone, six new malaria cases were detected, mainly in Azua and San Juan, with 68.7% of infections occurring in men.

For dengue, infections are evenly distributed between men and women, though most cases occur in people aged 10 to 19. The provinces with the highest incidence include Elías Piña, Valverde, Espaillat, Monte Cristi, María Trinidad Sánchez, and San Juan.

No new leptospirosis cases were reported this week, although 35 have been confirmed this year, most in men and a significant portion among Haitian nationals. Authorities also confirmed the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and metapneumovirus in the country, and continue prevention, testing, and community education efforts to curb the spread of these diseases.

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Society of Infectious Diseases has advised the public to avoid consuming raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters, and to prevent exposing wounds to potentially contaminated water. These measures help guard against Vibrio vulnificus, commonly known as the “flesh-eating” bacteria.

Dr. Yori Roque, president of the organization, urged calm and discouraged spreading unverified diagnoses, noting that other bacteria such as E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Klebsiella can also cause serious illnesses. Vibrio vulnificus naturally occurs in warm marine and brackish waters, especially near the coast, and its prevalence can rise after storms or floods.

Authorities clarified that the recent death in the country is not linked to Vibrio vulnificus. The patient had died from acute dehydration related to gastroenteritis and an abdominal infection of unknown origin. The Ministry of Public Health is awaiting autopsy authorization and microbiological test results from food establishments visited by the patient. For now, there is no confirmed connection to the flesh-eating bacteria, and officials continue to urge calm.

The Caribbean’s medical response to hurricanes, floods and other crises is set to get a major boost with the launch of a regional disaster medicine centre here, aimed at strengthening health systems and training frontline responders, university officials said Wednesday.

The Emergency and Disaster Medicine Centre (CEDMed) of the Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM), is a regional hub dedicated to strengthening medical preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters and other crises.

Senior Associate Dean of External Affairs Dr Rhonda McIntyre told the launch at the university’s Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre campus that CEDMed was born out of a clear and urgent need to address medical deficits when natural disasters strike the region.

“Resilience must be built into every layer of our societies, our infrastructure, our institutions, and our people,” she said. “Even in the face of disaster, we have seen a level of unity and cooperation unmatched at other times in our history. It is the spirit of resilience, solidarity, and hope that defines us and fuels the launch of the Ross University School of Medicine, Caribbean Emergency and Disaster Medicine Centre (CEDMed) – a new hub for building capacity across the region.”

Between 2000 and 2023, the Caribbean endured 793 climate events, according to the Central Bank of Barbados’ 2023 Financial Stability Report. Tropical storms made up just over half, and floods accounted for 32 per cent. Dr McIntyre pointed to staggering costs – more than US$181bn ($362bn) in storm-related losses.

“Here in Barbados, 14 recorded events over that period caused nearly US$300m [$600m],” she said, noting that disasters such as hurricanes exacerbate diseases, create lasting mental health challenges, and repeatedly stall regional development.

Senior Associate Dean of External Affairs at RUSM, Dr Rhonda McIntyre. (SB)

Reflecting on Hurricanes Maria and Irma, as well as the strain the COVID-19 pandemic placed on health systems, Dr McIntyre stressed that “institutional preparedness, trained responders, and community resilience are critical”.

While acknowledging that existing frameworks are in place, she said CEDMed offered something “transformative; a commitment to help build knowledge, train hands, and equip healthcare and emergency workers with the skills and strategies our region can rely on when disaster strikes”.

Through specialised training such as emergency cardiovascular care courses, expert partnerships, and disaster medicine programmes, CEDMed aims to fortify regional health systems and improve outcomes during crises, she said.

“The RUSM CEDMed Centre is more than a hub, it’s a beacon of a safer, stronger, and more sustainable Caribbean,” Dr McIntyre declared.

The first phase of the project will focus on establishing the centre and refining training programmes geared towards disaster response. Phase two will expand its offerings, and phase three will deepen partnerships with stakeholders. The centre’s objectives include developing a highly skilled workforce, providing regular refresher training, producing impactful research to guide policy, and building strong community engagement.

“Our vision is a resilient Caribbean health sector ready to meet the demands of emergencies and future disasters. Our mission is to build regional strength through advanced education, hands-on skills development, and pioneering research,” Dr McIntyre said. (SB)

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Washington.- The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that it has revoked visas and imposed restrictions on several Brazilian officials, former Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) representatives, and their relatives, citing alleged complicity with the Cuban government in the “Mais Médicos” program. Washington describes the initiative as a form of “coercive labor export” that exploits Cuban medical personnel.

Those sanctioned include Brazilians Mozart Julio Tabosa Sales and Alberto Kleiman, who held positions in the Ministry of Health during the program’s operation. According to the U.S., they helped plan and implement the scheme, using PAHO as an intermediary to bypass Brazilian constitutional requirements, evade U.S. sanctions, and channel payments to the Cuban government instead of the medical workers. The State Department noted that dozens of Cuban doctors reported being exploited through the program.

The announcement coincided with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva rejecting reciprocal tariffs on the U.S., calling instead for BRICS unity against what he sees as politically motivated U.S. trade policies. Lula also dismissed a U.S. report claiming Brazil’s human rights situation worsened in 2024, accusing Washington of demonizing its opponents. Meanwhile, Senator Marco Rubio revealed new sanctions targeting Cuba, Grenada, and several African nations under similar accusations.

Thousands of Guyanese nurses, who left their homeland to work overseas for higher salaries, could begin returning to Guyana to take up lucrative job offers, President Irfaan Ali said on Wednesday night. He told his People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) campaign meeting for the September 1 general and regional elections, that once his party is ...