Preventive public health measures are working. The majority of monitored diseases continue to show a downward trend, according to the latest report from the Department of Epidemiology (DIEPI) of the Ministry of Public Health, which covers Epidemiological Week 13.
Diseases such as leptospirosis, cholera, Covid-19, human rabies, and vaccine-preventable illnesses—including meningococcal disease, diphtheria, and polio—are all experiencing decreased incidence. Notably, no cases of cholera or rabies have been reported so far this year.
Dengue cases also remain low, with six new cases reported this week, primarily affecting children aged one to four. A total of 58 cases have been confirmed so far this year.
Malaria cases increased slightly, with nine new infections confirmed this week. These cases remain confined to known hotspots in San Juan, Azua, and Santo Domingo. The cumulative total for 2025 stands at 135 cases, with an incidence rate of 5.02 per 100,000 inhabitants.
No new cases of leptospirosis were reported this week. The annual total remains at 20 confirmed cases, with a suspected case incidence rate of 0.75 per 100,000 inhabitants.
DIEPI also reports the continued circulation of several respiratory viruses, including Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, Influenza A (H3N2), adenovirus, and SARS-CoV-2. In response, the Ministry of Public Health is reinforcing monitoring and control strategies through sentinel surveillance and virological analysis.
Health authorities are urging the public to continue preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks when experiencing flu-like symptoms, and seeking medical attention in the event of fever or general discomfort.
Two maternal deaths were reported in Week 13, both involving Haitian women. The cumulative maternal death count for 2025 now stands at 42, compared to 49 during the same period last year.
Infant deaths also declined, with 28 reported this week, down from 36 during the same week in 2024. So far this year, there have been 448 reported infant deaths, compared to 557 at this point last year, indicating a positive trend in infant health outcomes.
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Ministry of Public Health
14 April 2025