The Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology and Industry (IIBI) warned that the presence of bacteria resistant to common antibiotics in the country’s main rivers poses a serious health risk.

The institution recommended strengthening environmental monitoring, preventing self-medication, and improving wastewater treatment.

The discovery stems from research on the Ozama, Isabela, Yaque del Norte, and Yaque del Sur rivers, where microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter were detected

These bacteria, classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as priority pathogens due to their drug resistance, are associated with intestinal, urinary, respiratory, and skin infections.

The study was conducted by a team of young Dominican scientists from IIBI, in collaboration with Intec, Isfodosu, and ISA universities, led by Dr. Edian F. Franco and Professor Luis O. Maroto. 

The research employed whole-genome sequencing and metagenomics techniques, an approach that goes beyond conventional microbiology and allows for identifying not only which bacteria are present, but also their capabilities. This approach facilitates the tracking of contamination routes, the identification of critical discharges, and the guidance of mitigation actions.

When these organisms are dispersed in the environment, the chances of them reaching food, drinking water, or people who use rivers for bathing or work increase. 

In the case of infection, treatments may become more protracted, more expensive, and less effective.

The IIBI, an institution directed by engineer Osmar Olivo, calls on citizens to care for and rescue our water sources, remembering that river water is vital to the health, agricultural production, the economy, and daily life of all Dominicans.

Findings by area

In Ozama and Isabela, both in densely populated urban areas, resistant bacteria linked to domestic and industrial discharges were detected.

In Yaque del Norte, a route was traced from the springs to agricultural and urban areas, verifying how the presence of intestinal bacteria such as E. coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter increases.

In Yaque del Sur, sediments revealed DNA from Vibrio cholerae (cholera) and Salmonella (gastroenteritis), which poses a risk if the water is used without treatment.

A problem with daily impact

River water is crucial for cooking, washing, irrigating crops, and sustaining the economy. If antibiotics lose effectiveness, common health problems could turn into serious and costly illnesses.

The WHO warns that the misuse of antibiotics accelerates bacterial resistance. Therefore, the IIBI insists on the urgency of implementing immediate measures that include responsible antibiotic use, adequate wastewater treatment, and strengthening environmental monitoring.

Science and youth training

Along with the research leaders, undergraduate and graduate students from Intec, Isfodosu, and ISA participated. Among them were Irene Zulay Ortiz Confesor, Lázaro M. Acosta Rivera, Argeny Lorenzo Ovando, Camila Del Rosario, Albert Duarte, Víctor V. Calderón, and Roberto Bonnelly, among others.

The project, funded by the MESCYT–FONDOCyT (National Meteorological Service of the Basin of Cyclone and the Basin of Cyclone), has generated international publications, and complete monitoring data from the Yaque River will be released in the coming months.

The Metropolitan Hospital of Santiago (HOMS) and the Centers for Diagnostics, Advanced Medicine, and Telemedicine (Cedimat) made history by introducing the MagDI System for bariatric surgery against obesity. It is a milestone in bariatric and metabolic surgery in the Dominican Republic.

HOMS, together with its Digestive, Bariatric, and Precision Surgery Institute, and in collaboration with Jenner Dominicana, performed the first Magnetic Bariatric Surgery in the Dominican Republic, Central America, and the Caribbean, consolidating its position as a regional benchmark in surgical innovation.

For the first time

Magnetic bariatric surgery, performed at Homs and Cedimat, is a hybrid procedure that creates a partial bypass of the small intestine (between the duodenum and ileum) by placing a magnet endoscopically in the duodenum and another laparoscopically in the ileum.

These magnets attract each other to form an anastomosis, which allows for a faster recovery with less pain, no blood loss, and a lower risk.

In Santiago, the procedure was attended by Rafael Sánchez Español, General Director and bariatric surgeon; Héctor Sánchez Navarro, Head of Robotic and Bariatric Surgery; and James Hamilton, Director of Innovation and Quality.

This team had the honor of welcoming Michel Gagner, a Canadian pioneer in bariatric surgery and creator of the MagDI technique used in this procedure. Also present were Brígida Navarro, gastroenterologist and director of the Center for Digestive Studies, and Luis Peralta.

From Cedimat

In its press release, the company states that it has consolidated its leadership in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes with the introduction of the revolutionary MagDI system, a minimally invasive bariatric and metabolic technique that marks a significant milestone in Dominican medicine. This advancement was presented by Dr. Luis Alfredo Betances, director of the Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at CEDIMAT, along with Dr. Michel Garnier (creator of the technology) at the Bariatric Institute.

During the nationwide relaunch of the “Let’s Beat Dengue” campaign, under the slogan “Eliminate, Clean, and Cover,” the Minister of Health emphasized that prevention efforts have allowed the country to be recognized as a leader in disease control.

He also affirmed that the achievements in the fight against dengue are the result of coordinated efforts with the Provincial Directorates and Health Areas (DPS/DAS), as well as the active participation of communities. He specified that the campaign will have a renewed focus on education and the control of mosquito breeding sites.

“We have demonstrated that prevention works. The country today shows encouraging figures that reflect the dedication of our personnel and the commitment to protecting the health of the Dominican people. Now we will redouble our efforts to sustain and expand this success, and continue winning the battle against dengue,” Atallah stated.

The campaign was launched simultaneously in all DPS/DAS (Dental Health Departments). 

According to data from the Epidemiology Directorate, between epidemiological weeks 1 and 32 of this year, 171 confirmed cases were reported, compared to the 1,110 cases recorded in the same period in 2024, reflecting a reduction of more than 85%.

The trend in dengue fever over the past four weeks has also shown a downward trend, with EW 32 having the lowest number of cases, with only one confirmed report.

Juan Manuel Méndez García, executive director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), stated that the campaign has a positive impact, emphasizing that prevention is a fundamental pillar in the effort to protect the population.

He also stated that the COE is joining these actions, reinforcing its commitment to working together to ensure the well-being of citizens.

 Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ancell Shecker, Vice Minister of Technical and Pedagogical Affairs of the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Education (MINERD), emphasized that health and education are national causes and that it is everyone’s responsibility to work on disease prevention. Therefore, today, the Ministry of Education is joining the “Let’s Beat Dengue” campaign.

The Dominican Republic was recognized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for its effective management of dengue fever, particularly in 2024, when the country was named a regional leader in disease control amid a rise in cases in other nations.

As part of the campaign, educational workshops, community operations to eliminate breeding sites, targeted fumigations, junk removal, distribution of informational materials, and distribution of abate (larvicide), in addition to providing guidance to the population, will continue to be carried out with the goal of keeping the disease under control.

Among the complementary initiatives is the National Plan for the Prevention and Control of Dengue, developed with the support of PAHO, which has prioritized social interventions.

Also present at the “Anti-Dengue Family” strategy, developed in coordination with the Ministry of Education and PAHO, is the “Anti-Dengue Family” strategy, which trains students and teachers to multiply preventive efforts in their communities.

The Ministry of Health reiterated that the key to defeating dengue lies in joint action between authorities and the population, urging continued implementation of preventive measures in homes and communities.

Present at the campaign relaunch were Edisson Feliz Feliz, director of the Metropolitan Regional Health Service, and Alba María Ropero Álvarez, representative of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

This year, 2025, is not an epidemic year, and if the country receives an award for control, it should be given to other countries on the continent that have better indicators. Rodríguez Monegro referred to the statements of the Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, who stated that the Dominican Republic has recorded a 78% reduction in dengue cases, thanks to the work carried out by provincial and regional health departments. For the pediatrician and former director of the SNS, the reduction in dengue cases is not due to any implemented strategy; rather, 2025 is a non-epidemic year with a low incidence of the disease. “The decline in dengue cannot be attributed to official campaigns, since when there is a dengue prevention and control campaign, it is felt in the community,” he said.

What is happening in all countries of the Americas is that there is a significant reduction in the incidence of dengue, because this is a year of low incidence and possibly the next one as well, unlike 2022 and 2023, he explained.

Under the criteria used by the Dominican authorities, all of America should be declared champions in the fight against dengue.

Official position

The Ministry of Health called on citizens to join efforts to reduce dengue transmission. The Ministry of Health continues to strengthen vector control efforts to reduce dengue transmission in the country. It stated that mosquito breeding site elimination campaigns, community education on hygiene habits, and fumigation efforts have been intensified.

The Ministry also stated that it has implemented various actions as part of the National Dengue Plan, intending to reduce the incidence of this disease. It also said it has relaunched the “eliminate, clean, and cover” campaign. This week, data for week 33 were released.

Preventive measures against dengue include eliminating mosquito breeding sites (such as stagnant water in containers and tires), protecting against mosquito bites with repellent, and using mosquito nets over beds, doors, and windows.

Public Health urges people to visit the nearest health center if they experience symptoms such as a sudden high fever, severe headache (especially behind the eyes), muscle and joint pain (“breakbone fever”), nausea, vomiting, and a skin rash.

A confirmed case of dengue was reported this week, bringing the total number of cases to 174.

Santo Domingo.- The Federico Henríquez y Carvajal University (UFHEC) has signed a scientific cooperation agreement with the University of Rome Tor Vergata in Italy to study the biomedical and bioactive potential of sargassum. The initiative aims to turn this environmental challenge into opportunities for innovation and sustainable development.

UFHEC’s national rector, Alberto Ramírez, stressed that the partnership reflects the institution’s commitment to science, innovation, and the search for solutions with global impact. Meanwhile, Vice Rector for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Darwin Muñoz, noted that the research will focus on exploring the algae’s applications in marine biotechnology and health, opening the door to economic, social, and environmental benefits.

The agreement comes at a crucial time, as Dominican coasts have been severely affected by sargassum in recent years. To address the issue, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MESCYT) allocated RD$85 million earlier this year to support projects that protect tourism and safeguard the health of coastal communities.

Santo Domingo.-The Dominican Republic has entered its hottest stretch of the year, lasting until late October, with extreme daytime heat continuing moderately into mid-November. The country is currently under the influence of Saharan dust cloud number 15, which could push temperatures up to 40°C–45°C from late morning to mid-afternoon, intensified by humid Caribbean winds.

Meteorological authorities warn that the dust may aggravate allergies in the coming 24 hours. However, conditions should improve over the weekend with the arrival of tropical wave number 29 and an atmospheric disturbance in the northeastern Caribbean, which could increase rainfall across much of the country.

Still, the relief will be short-lived. A 16th Saharan dust cloud is expected early Monday and will linger until Tuesday afternoon. The Saharan dust season is projected to end in late September, potentially easing the extreme heat that dominates August and September.

Santo Domingo, DR—The Ministry of Public Health reported in its epidemiological bulletin for week 31 that the Doctor Defilló National Reference Laboratory processed 36 respiratory samples.

It also highlights that multiple respiratory viruses, such as Covid-19 ( SARS-CoV-2 ) and metapneumovirus, are currently actively circulating.

The Ministry of Public Health urges the population to get vaccinated and follow key community measures such as handwashing, mask use for symptomatic individuals, adequate ventilation, and avoiding self-medication.

Additionally, seek medical attention if you experience respiratory symptoms to help contain transmission and protect the most vulnerable populations.

It indicates that if the patient has a persistent fever or difficulty breathing, they should go to a health center immediately.

It also suggests seeking guidance only from official sources and avoiding disseminating unverified information.

Against hepatitis

In another order, the epidemiological bulletin also highlights the warning made by the World Health Organization (WHO) in commemoration of World Hepatitis Day, that type D of this disease is carcinogenic.

“Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a serious liver disease or liver cancer linked to hepatitis, even though we have the means to stop the disease,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

He indicated that viral hepatitis, types A, B, C, D, and E, are important causes of acute liver infection.

He stated that of these hepatitis types, only types B, C, and D can cause chronic infections that significantly increase the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Still, most people with this disease don’t know they’re infected.

He also noted that these three types affect more than 300 million people worldwide and cause more than 1.3 million deaths each year, primarily from liver cirrhosis and cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently classified hepatitis D as carcinogenic to humans, along with hepatitis B and C.

He indicated that this type of hepatitis, which only affects people with hepatitis B, is associated with a risk of liver cancer two to six times greater than if the person has hepatitis B alone.

“In 2024, WHO published guidelines on testing and diagnosis for hepatitis B and D and is actively monitoring clinical endpoints for innovative hepatitis D treatments,” said Dr. Meg Doherty, the new director of the Department of Science for Health at WHO.

Last July, the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) reported that the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sinave) had recorded 910 cases of hepatitis B nationwide so far this year. The highest incidence of cases was reported in men.

Regarding hepatitis C, 541 cases were reported, with women being the most affected.

The disease

Hepatitis is defined as the inflammation of the liver, caused by one of the many viruses that exist, whether A, B, C, D, or E.

According to specialists, these types of viruses are transmitted through unprotected sex, contact with contaminated food and drinks, and contact with bodily fluids from infected people.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hepatitis include extreme fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, low-grade fever, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Treatment

The WHO reported that oral medication can cure hepatitis C within two to three months, and can also control the virus with lifelong treatment.

He highlighted that testing and treatment coverage are low, noting that 13% of people with hepatitis B and 36% of those already living with the disease were diagnosed in 2022, making expanding coverage for prevention, testing, and treatment of this disease a challenge.

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.

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader identified improving tax collection at state-owned electricity distribution companies (EDE) as one of his administration’s biggest challenges. Speaking at a press conference at the National Palace, he highlighted that while many citizens receive subsidies for electricity, others do not, and addressing the EDE’s financial deficit remains critical despite investments in power infrastructure.

Abinader also noted significant progress in electricity generation, forecasting a 15% surplus by the end of his term, with substantial growth in renewable energy capacity.

On another front, the president acknowledged the complexity of the country’s mental health issues, describing them as part of a broader, universal problem. He expressed personal impact over a recent violent attack in Santo Domingo’s Naco neighborhood, where a close associate of First Lady Raquel Arbaje was killed. In response, Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah announced plans to tender construction of two new mental health centers in Espaillat and Azua, along with a pilot program to provide psychological services in hospital emergency rooms.

Santo Domingo, DR— Luz Herrera, former president of the Dominican Society of Pediatrics, described the increase in vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, such as whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, and meningococcal disease in non-neonatal children, as a “setback” and a “poor prognosis.”

According to the Ministry of Public Health’s epidemiological bulletin for week 30, the country recorded 53 cases of diphtheria and one death; 21 cases of whooping cough and two deaths; and 13 cases of meningococcal disease, with six deaths.

Additionally, 17 cases of tetanus were reported, representing a 15% increase compared to the same week in 2024.

“It seems that the vaccination rate has decreased, and vaccine-preventable diseases have increased. That’s the answer I give to that. There’s a decrease in guidance and education for people. This means a setback for the health system,” Herrera said.

Vaccination schedule

Herrera explained that the national immunization schedule establishes that the first vaccine for newborns is BCG (against tuberculosis) and hepatitis B.

At two months, the rotavirus vaccine (which prevents severe diarrhea), IPV (against polio), and pneumococcal vaccine are administered.

The pentavalent vaccine, which prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, is then administered at two, four, and six months of age, along with the pneumococcal vaccine.

At twelve months, children should receive the seasonal influenza vaccine and the MMR vaccine, which prevents measles, rubella, and mumps. At the same age, another pneumococcal booster shot is given.

At age four, the infant receives a second polio booster and again the pentavalent vaccine.

“These diseases are more common in children under five. Anti-vaccine movements have increased, and because of this, authorities are neglecting them, so these numbers are only going to increase,” Herrera said.

He added that children receive a third booster shot of the diphtheria and tetanus vaccine between the ages of nine and fourteen.

In the case of pregnant women, Herrera indicated that they are also given a dose of the pentavalent vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine in the first months of pregnancy.

Given the increase in these cases, the specialist recommended completing the Ministry of Public Health’s vaccination schedule, continuing to educate parents about the importance of vaccines, and ensuring that health centers continue administering them, as they prevent mortality and morbidity (the onset of diseases).

What are these diseases?

Diphtheria

It is a severe bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It is prevented with the DPT vaccine, included in the national immunization schedule. Its symptoms include sore throat, hoarseness, swollen glands, runny nose, fever, and fatigue.

Whooping cough

Also known as pertussis or whooping cough, it is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It primarily affects young children with severe coughing attacks that make breathing difficult. Its initial symptoms resemble a cold, but the cough becomes more intense and distinctive.

Meningococcal disease

It is a severe bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (affecting the brain and spinal cord) or sepsis. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and sometimes a rash.

Tetanus

It is a severe disease that affects the nervous system. It is acquired through contaminated wounds and, although it is not contagious between people, it is preventable with vaccination. Its symptoms include muscle stiffness and painful spasms.