# Dominican Republic public health and disease prevention

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-public-health-and-disease-prevention
> Updated: 2026-08-14T01:15:27.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

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. Authorities note these habits contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Recommended mitigations include diets rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates, alongside physical activity, adequate sleep, and the avoidance of alcohol, tobacco, and chronic stress.

Recent epidemiological data from week 30 of 2026 indicates significant shifts in infectious disease trends. Leptospirosis cases have seen a substantial increase, with 260 confirmed cases year-to-date—nearly triple the 93 cases reported during the same period in 2025. Dengue cases have also reached a cumulative total of 224.

Conversely, other health indicators show improvement. Malaria cases have decreased by 82% compared to the previous year, totaling 126 cases, while cholera reports remain at zero. Additionally, maternal and infant mortality rates have declined; maternal deaths stand at 76 for the year, compared to 105 in 2025, and infant deaths have dropped to 1,049 from 1,134 in the previous year. Health officials continue to urge preventive measures against vector-borne diseases, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: 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.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-health-authorities-warn-against-processed-foods

### 2026-08-13: 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.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-health-authorities-promote-disease-prevention-and-mental-wellness

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Cite as: Dominican Republic public health and disease prevention. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-public-health-and-disease-prevention