The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health reported 76 confirmed cases of dengue during the 42nd epidemiological week, from October 18 to 24, bringing the total for the year to 556 cases. According to the ministry’s bulletin, the incidence rate of dengue stands at 6.24 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
The Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) latest epidemiological bulletin indicates that the Dominican Republic has one of the lowest incidence rates of dengue among countries in the Americas. The confirmed cases in the country are significantly lower than those reported in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Ecuador, positioning the Dominican Republic favorably in the regional context.
Additionally, the health ministry confirmed two new cases of malaria, raising the year-to-date total to 140 cases. This figure represents an 82 percent decrease from the 842 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. The annual incidence rate for malaria now stands at 1.57 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, demonstrating an ongoing downward trend.
No new cases of leptospirosis have been reported, maintaining the year-to-date total at 297 cases. This marks an increase from 154 cases recorded last year, with an incidence rate of 3.33 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The trend for leptospirosis is also declining, while cholera has not recorded any cases this year.
In terms of respiratory illnesses, the report notes that the levels of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) remain low and stable, with non-subtypeable Influenza A present alongside low detections of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Influenza A(H3N2), and respiratory syncytial virus.
Maternal and Infant Mortality
The report also highlighted maternal mortality, with five fatalities recorded—three among Dominican women and two among Haitian women. This brings the total number of maternal deaths this year to 133, a reduction from the 155 deaths reported during the same period in 2025.
In terms of infant mortality, 32 deaths have been reported, leading to a total of 1,623 deaths this year. The Ministry of Public Health emphasizes that efforts to intensify hospital monitoring and adhere to protocols aimed at reducing risk factors in maternal and neonatal care services are ongoing.
