Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health has reported a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, with 252 new infections detected this Wednesday. This figure shows a substantial rise of 200 cases compared to the count from a week ago. Despite the increase, none of the current 260 active cases in the country necessitates hospitalization.

The recent data reveal a weekly positivity rate of 19.73% from 2,434 tests conducted to identify the virus. The four-week positivity rate has also risen to 5.73%. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Dominican Republic has registered a total of 671,489 COVID-19 cases. The country’s death toll stands at 4,384, with no new fatalities reported since August 2022.

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Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has enacted a new decree aimed at enhancing pig production within the country. This measure is designed to provide a robust legal framework for the registration, surveillance, and early detection of diseases that could impact this vital sector. Additionally, the decree outlines the essential requirements for the management of waste and by-products in pig production.

In line with this decree, the Ministry of Agriculture is directed to prepare and issue regulations in accordance with Law no. 4030, dated January 13, 1955. These regulations will be specifically tailored to ensure compliance with article 1 of the decree, thereby facilitating better management and development of the pig production industry in the Dominican Republic. This move represents a significant step towards strengthening a key sector in the nation’s economy and ensuring the health and sustainability of its livestock.

Medical Surveillance Officer Dr Dana Gomez in a video broadcast said more people were presenting with symptoms at healthcare facilities and that the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

She did not provide figures.

“Most of the affected individuals experience sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhoea, which usually resolve with treatment of the symptom. Acute gastroenteritis is an inflation of the stomach and intestines and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, chemicals or medication,” she stated.

She warned that the “very contagious” strain of the virus also referred to as “the stomach flu most prevalent during the winter season has been circulating and has been the cause of many cases of gastroenteritis globally.”

Gomez is urging the public to take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after vomiting, a bowel movement, and before handling food.

She also encouraged people with gastroenteritis to stay away from schools and places of employment and to seek immediate medical attention.

“The ministry also wishes to remind the public that we are currently in the flu season and persons may experience respiratory symptoms,” she said, adding that several influenza viruses including type A have been isolated and that the public should follow the health requirements to prevent the spread.

The post St Lucia records increase in gastroenteritis cases appeared first on Barbados Today.

The surge in patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency Department for treatment continues into a third consecutive day, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital said Saturday.

At 5 p.m., approximately 40 patients were waiting to be seen by doctors and nurses.

The department remains very busy and medical teams are reporting an increase in the number of patients presenting with respiratory illnesses.

In light of this, the QEH strongly encourages people who find themselves in crowded areas or events to wear a mask, especially over this long weekend.

The Emergency Ambulance Service has also been very busy with increasing calls and responses, bringing several patients to AED for emergency 2 care. This heightened activity has extended wait times in the department especially for non-critical patients.

Management at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is again appealing to the public if you are unsure about your medical complaint to determine if you need to present to the Accident and Emergency Department, please call the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS/Help Desk) at 536-4800 using regular or whatsapp calls from 9 a.ma to 12 midnight during this surge.

You also have the option of visiting the 24-hour Winston Scott Polyclinic at Jemmotts Lane, St Michael for treatment or your private General Practitioner.

If you present to the AED at this time with medical conditions which are not deemed life-threatening or an emergency, you may experience a longer than desired wait for treatment. However, life-threatening conditions, under AED’s Triage System will continue to be seen and treated immediately. These include patients who for example, have life, limb or sight threatening complaints, gunshot wounds, heart attacks, active seizure activity or a patient who needs resuscitation.

The QEH wishes to apologise for the inconvenience, and we will continue to provide updates on the situation.

(PR)

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Also, scandals linked to the death of 34 newborns at the San Lorenzo de Los Mina Maternity Hospital, the abduction and subsequent recovery of a newborn baby girl, and the discovery of newborn corpses scattered in a cemetery in Santo Domingo East captured the public’s attention. They caused the country’s maternity centers to be under scrutiny.

At least six epidemiological alerts were issued this year, including one in May and another in November linked to the risk of diseases arising from flooding as a consequence of atmospheric phenomena; two for an increased incidence of respiratory viruses, including one at the end of December for the presence of the new JN-1 variant of COVID-19; others for advanced cases of measles and chikungunya in the region, although the country did not register any of both cases.

Non-communicable diseases

Non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, traffic events, and mental health conditions, continued to increase in the country amidst voices of concern from specialists.

As part of the actions aimed at strengthening prevention and health promotion and encouraging healthy living and thus impacting these indicators, the Minister of Health intensified his strategy of the “Ruta de la Salud: cambia tu estilo de vida” (Health Route: change your lifestyle), which takes medical and educational care to the different provinces of the country.

This year, 2023, 31 of these activities were completed, and 1,400,000,50 people benefited throughout the country, according to information provided by the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Rivera, who heads the activities.

The youngest

The Contact Center “Cuidad tu Salud Mental” of the Ministry of Public Health shows the impact of mental health problems in the country and its attention requirements.

Its latest report indicates that of the 6,377 calls received, 67% are from people between 21 and 40 years old who express sadness, anxiety, anguish, insomnia, and anger, among other ailments, including minors, who constitute 10% of those who demand these services.

Of the calls received at the center, which opened last March 16, to date, 60% correspond to sadness, 50% to anxiety, 49% to anguish, 39% to insomnia, 19% to anger, 17% to lack of appetite, 17% constant worry, 16% suicidal ideation and 14% imitation and feelings of guilt.

Medical conflicts

The conflicts between the Dominican Medical Association (CMD), the authorities of the National Social Security System, and the Health Risk Administrators (ARS) remained latent for a good part of the year.

This led the medical profession to exhaust a calendar of marches, work stoppages, and paralyzations of services to several ARSs, demanding changes in the social security system, including increased health coverage for the population and the rates and fees received for services rendered.

The National Social Security Council (CNSS) recently issued a new resolution increasing coverage and fees.

Last December 8, the CMD changed its board of directors, with Dr. Waldo Ariel Suero assuming the presidency of the guild for the sixth time, replacing Dr. Senén Caba.

Cholera and Covid

The year began with an outbreak of cholera, which spread mainly to different sectors of Greater Santo Domingo. In contrast, in the last quarter, another outbreak was registered in Barahona communities. This year, the country introduced its vaccination with the acquisition of 85 thousand vaccines, which have been applied in high-risk populations through a protocol developed for this purpose.

The COVID-19 virus, although still circulating in the country, maintained a low incidence, except for a slight peak in the number of cases registered this year. At the end of December, the circulation of the new highly contagious JN.1 variant was detected in the country, which prompted the Ministry of Public Health to issue a new epidemiological alert for respiratory viruses.

After over two years of issuing daily information bulletins, the health authorities issued the report once a week last March.

Dengue epidemic

The most significant stress to the hospital system was generated by the dengue epidemic, which continued for several months, especially in Greater Santo Domingo, where the high demand for medical attention exceeded the capacity of the leading pediatric hospitals, forcing the National Health Service (SNS) to set up a network of beds in different health centers.

As of mid-December, corresponding to the 50th epidemiological week, the total number of accumulated suspected cases detected by the system is 24,735, with 23 confirmed deaths, for a case fatality rate of 0.1 percent.

Under surveillance

Reports from the Epidemiology Directorate of the Ministry of Public Health indicate that during the first 11 months of 2023, 116 cases of cholera, 19,467 cases of dengue, 215 cases of malaria, 564 cases of leptospirosis; 23 cases of diphtheria; 29 cases of tetanus in non-neonatal ages; 10 cases of pertussis and six cases of meningococcal disease were reported to the system.

In addition to 150 maternal deaths and 2,700 infant deaths. The National Health Service reports an 11% reduction in neonatal mortality this year compared to 2022, following the implementation of the Neonatal Mortality Reduction Acceleration Plan.

New coverage approved

At the end of the year, the National Social Security Council (CNSS) announced the approval of new coverage, including that of outpatient medicines, which increased from 8,000 to 12,000 pesos per year for members of the Family Health Insurance (SFS) of the Contributive Regime.

Resolution No. 581-03 took this decision, including coverage for 70 new procedures, biopsies, and new approaches to reduce surgical complications and hospital stays.

In addition to an increase in the monthly per capita of the Family Health Insurance (SFS) of the Contributory Regime (RC) of RD$128.08 charged to the People’s Health Care Account, from RD$1,555.14 to RD$1,683.22 and a 50% reduction in the co-payment of the SFS of the Contributory Regime for hospitalization services, cesarean sections, surgeries, renal transplants and other high-cost illnesses.

There was a 40% increase in medical fees for procedures, a 50% increase in inpatient consultations, and a 7% increase in diagnostic tests and examination costs. There was also a 15% increase in the use of rooms, equipment, and rooms in clinics and hospitals.

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“It is important to seek medical attention if you take over-the-counter medications for heartburn more than twice a week and also if you experience severe or frequent GERD symptoms”

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Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health in the Dominican Republic is focusing on surveillance and early detection of the JN.1 sub-variant, with three positive cases identified so far. As the holiday season brings increased travel and gatherings, there’s an anticipated rise in virus circulation. However, the Ministry emphasizes that while the JN.1 variant spreads quickly, it is not expected to be severe. Despite this, caution is advised, especially for those with underlying health conditions like HIV, cancer, asthma, and hypertension.

Dr. Eladio Pérez, Vice Minister of Collective Health, urges the public to practice self-care, highlighting the increased risk of acute respiratory viruses during this period due to temperature changes and people’s movements. The Ministry’s recommendations include avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, regular handwashing, mask-wearing if flu symptoms are present, and mask use in healthcare settings. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins, along with good hydration, is also recommended to boost the immune system.

Regarding COVID-19, the Ministry reports 73 active cases with no hospitalizations, according to the latest epidemiological bulletin. The public is encouraged to get vaccinated at fixed posts, where influenza vaccines and other schedule biologicals are available.

On the dengue front, Dr. Pérez noted a significant decrease in 122 municipalities, with no probable cases in 54. Although 769 new cases were reported in week 50, bringing the year’s total to 24,735, there have been no additional deaths since week 46. The Ministry continues to monitor these health concerns and reminds the public to follow recommended precautions.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health in the Dominican Republic has issued an epidemiological alert due to the circulation of several respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza A (H1N1), and various strains like pdm09, adenovirus, and Influenza B Victoria. The provinces most affected are Barahona, Duarte, La Romana, Santiago, Santo Domingo, and the National District.

Recent reports identified COVID-19 variants EG.5.1, FL.1x, and JN.1. As of epidemiological week 51 of 2023, there have been 1,226,613 reported cases of upper tract acute respiratory infections (ARI) and 246,361 lower tract ARI cases, which are lower than last year’s figures for the same period.

Public Health advises vulnerable groups, especially those under five and over 65, healthcare workers, and individuals with comorbidities, to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. They also recommend completing vaccination schedules and avoiding crowded indoor gatherings. In case of illness, physical distancing, wearing a mask, and visiting the nearest health center are advised.

The Ministry also urges healthcare centers to strengthen surveillance for influenza and prioritize monitoring acute respiratory infections (SARI) to track epidemiological changes and viral trends. Timely reporting and investigation of suspicious cases, rapid sample submission to labs, and public education on preventive measures against influenza and COVID-19 are crucial.

As of December 2, 2023, 73% of genetic sequences in the GISAID Initiative were from lineages descended from the XBB variant, including the rapidly spreading JN.1 variant, which the WHO classified as a “variant of interest” on December 19 due to its rapid spread. Despite its high transmissibility, its health risk is comparable to other omicron subvariants.

Countries across Europe, Australia, Asia, and Canada have reported exponential growth of JN.1, accompanied by an increase in hospitalizations. The WHO asserts that existing vaccines should provide protection against this JN.1 subvariant. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection and vaccination status, according to the CDC.