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3 clusters · 20 sources · 23 days · First seen · Last updated

Dominican Republic public health and disease prevention

Overview

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health continues to promote disease prevention and holistic well-being, warning against the excessive consumption of salt, saturated fats, and processed foods to combat obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Epidemiological data indicates a significant rise in leptospirosis compared to 2025. According to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sinave), the country has recorded 272 confirmed cases and 19 deaths year-to-date. This represents a notable increase over the same period in 2025, which saw 115 cases and 11 deaths. The zoonotic disease, transmitted via contact with water or soil contaminated by animal urine—primarily from rodents—poses higher risks during heavy rain and flooding. Health officials recommend using protective gear and controlling rodent populations.

Dengue incidence has also seen an upward trend, with cumulative confirmed cases reaching 277 and one death reported. Recent data identified the circulation of the DENV-2 serotype in four of the nine new cases reported in the latest week. Despite this year-on-year increase, health officials maintain that dengue incidence remains within the ‘success zone’.

Other trends show mixed results: malaria cases have decreased by 82% compared to the previous year, totaling 126 cases, while cholera reports remain at zero. Maternal and infant mortality rates have also declined, with maternal deaths at 76 and infant deaths at 1,049 for the year.

Entities

Ministry of Public Health · Dominican Republic · Santo Domingo · National Epidemiological Surveillance System · Puerto Plata

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 7 sources
    Dominican Republic reports 19 leptospirosis deaths in 2026

    The Dominican Republic reports 19 leptospirosis deaths and 272 confirmed cases in 2026, marking an increase from the previous year despite a recent decline in weekly new infections.

  2. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Dominican Republic health authorities warn against processed foods

    The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Public Health warns that excessive salt, fats, and processed foods increase risks of obesity and hypertension, urging healthier diets and active lifestyles.

  3. [HEALTH] 11 sources
    Dominican Republic reports surge in leptospirosis and shifts in mortality rates

    The Dominican Republic reports a nearly threefold increase in leptospirosis cases in 2026, while seeing significant declines in malaria, maternal mortality, and infant mortality rates.

Sources

almomento.net · bavaronews.com · bellerdigital.net · calle56.com · diariodesalud.com.do · diariolibre.com · dominicanoshoy.com · ecosdelsur.net.do · elnuevodiario.com.do · elveedordigital.com · ensegundos.do · expreso.ec · finalweapon.net · hoy.com.do · infobae.com · institutoecofaxina.org.br · megadiario.com.do · n.com.do · prensa-latina.cu · sabanetasr.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history