Health authorities are sounding the alarm as a significant rise in respiratory viruses over the last few weeks threatens to worsen with the arrival of the holiday season and thousands of travelers. The Dominican Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery warned on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 that the influx of citizens living abroad creates a dual impact, noting that while returning residents bring gifts and economic support. The travelers may also introduce new viral strains into the local population.
Media reports confirm people are falling ill in large numbers in New York, the second largest Dominican city around the world, too. As of mid-December 2025, health officials have officially declared the flu “prevalent” across New York State. Lab-confirmed flu cases have seen a dramatic spike recently, with reports showing increases as high as 119% in New York City over a single week earlier this month. New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald officially declared flu prevalent in early December.
In the Dominican Republic, Dr. Alfredo Matos, president of the organization, explained that medical centers are already seeing a high volume of patients suffering from conditions such as bronchitis and bronchial hyperactivity. These viral infections present high fever, headaches, muscle aches, and sore throats. Specialists are particularly concerned about a persistent cough that many patients experience long after the initial infection has passed.
The current epidemiological landscape is dominated by Influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, and scattered cases of Covid-19. Meanwhile, pediatric specialists are reporting an uptick in rhinoviruses among children, who are especially vulnerable to the complications of these seasonal illnesses. This trend is becoming increasingly visible in everyday life, with symptomatic individuals frequently seen in offices, public transit, and crowded shopping centers.
To mitigate the risk of a widespread outbreak, the Society is urging the public to maintain strict hygiene protocols, such as frequent handwashing and the use of masks in crowded spaces. Dr. Matos strongly advised against self-medication, emphasizing that patients should seek professional care from a pulmonologist at the first sign of symptoms. Experts also stressed the importance of shielding the elderly and those with underlying health conditions by keeping them away from anyone showing signs of respiratory distress.
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18 December 2025