2025News

Health Ministry reports on the viruses that are making the rounds

The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) reports that the incidence of detected influenza viruses in the Republic are within expected seasonal levels. The variations and chilly weather create conditions for the spread of circulating viruses.

The MSP highlights that among the detected influenza viruses during this period are: influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, influenza A (H3N2), respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, influenza B Victoria, parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, and metapneumovirus.

To curb the infections, the Ministry of Health recommends people to be aware of the importance of frequent handwashing, and consider wearing masks when experiencing flu symptoms or visiting crowded places. The Ministry of Public Health recommends avoiding self-medication, maintaining well-ventilated spaces, steering clear of sick individuals, not touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth, covering coughs, and regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

They further recommend adequate sleep, exercise, hydration, nutritious food, and seeking medical attention at health centers if experiencing fever, general discomfort, headaches, or other symptoms.

For Epidemiological Week-06, the Epidemiology Department of the Ministry reported one new dengue case, bringing the total accumulated cases to 16 with an incidence of 1.29. This is a significant decrease compared to last year’s 438 cases at this time. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert on 7 February 2025 due to the increased circulation of the DENV-3 serotype of the dengue virus in the Americas, though the situation in the Dominican Republic remains under control with continued preventive measures and surveillance.

Three new malaria cases were reported, totaling 62 with an incidence of 5.00, marking a 52% decrease from last year’s incidence of 10.36. There have been no cholera cases reported this year. For Covid-19, 7 new cases were recorded, bringing the total to 40 with an incidence of 3.23. No leptospirosis cases have been reported, with a total accumulated count of 10 and an incidence of 0.81.

In SE-06, one maternal death was registered involving a Dominican woman. The cumulative total is 17 deaths, indicating a decrease from the 27 reported at this time last year. Regarding infant deaths, 22 were recorded this year compared to 35 in 2024, reflecting a positive decline in these indicators.

Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Public Health
Diario Libre

21 February 2025