Santo Domingo — As of epidemiological week twenty-eight, the country reported 479 suspected cases of malaria, of which eight were confirmed, reaching a cumulative total of 20,165 suspected cases and 629 confirmed cases so far this year.

27.2% of confirmed malaria cases in the country are Haitian, the Ministry of Public Health reported, which has prompted active case-finding in migrant and farming communities.

The main transmission centers are concentrated in Azua, with 330 cases, and San Juan, with 257 cases.

The bite of infected mosquitoes causes malaria. Its most common symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, and chills.

Cholera

While cholera has been reported in the country, 17 suspected cases have been reported, with no confirmed cases.

Of the total suspected cases, six were reported in Santo Domingo province, five in Santiago, and two in San Cristóbal. Nine of the cases were female.

In response, Public Health reported that it is maintaining active surveillance for any suspected cases and recommends visiting the nearest health center if you experience any symptoms of the disease.

The most common symptoms are watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

In severe cases, dehydration can lead to shock, seizures, kidney failure, and ultimately death if left untreated. 

Dengue

Regarding dengue, Public Health reported that 24 suspected cases have been reported, with two confirmed.

Raising the national total to 1,109 suspected cases and 147 confirmed cases.

The provinces with the highest incidence were Espaillat, with 14 cases; Puerto Plata, with 12; and Duarte, with nine.

Symptoms of dengue can vary, but the most common include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash.

Leptospirosis 

Regarding leptospirosis, the country reported six suspected cases, with no new confirmed cases.

According to the Epidemiological Bulletin for week 28, 241 suspected cases and 23 confirmed cases have been reported.

Recommendations 

Public Health recommended improving access to drinking water, reducing exposure to stagnant water, and promoting good hygiene practices.

He also reported that animal vaccination campaigns are being carried out, especially in areas where livestock can act as a reservoir for Leptospira.

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) recommends vaccination as the best way to prevent hepatitis, as well as maintaining good hygiene practices.

The Dominican Health Agency reminds us that hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by various factors that lead to serious liver diseases and liver cancer.

Among the most common types of viral hepatitis are types A, B, C, D, and E.

As a primary form of prevention, the Ministry of Health encourages vaccination, especially against hepatitis A and B, as well as maintaining basic hygiene practices such as hand washing, drinking safe water and food, and avoiding contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals or with sharp objects.

In the Dominican Republic, the prevalence of hepatitis B and C is a cause for concern, although specific data may vary. The Government of the Dominican Republic, through the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) and the National Health Service (SNS), has implemented strategies to prevent and eliminate hepatitis B, with a particular focus on pregnant women and newborns.

These actions include the provision of free vaccines and treatments, as well as the distribution of anti-B immunoglobulin to newborns of mothers who carry the virus. Additionally, protocols have been established to facilitate the timely detection and treatment of the disease, with the aim of achieving the elimination goals by 2030.

Dengue

Two new cases of dengue fever have been confirmed, bringing the cumulative total to 147 and the incidence rate to 2.54, representing an 85% reduction compared to last year.

Regarding malaria, eight cases have been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases this year to 629. The incidence of this disease is 10.87, a decrease of -8 percent.

No cases of leptospirosis were reported this week; the total to date is 23, with a cumulative incidence of 0.40, representing a 17 percent reduction in cases. The number of cholera cases recorded this year remains at zero.

Maternal and infant deaths

Maternal death reports for the current 28th epidemiological week show three deaths, one of them a Dominican woman and two Haitian nationals. The total number of maternal deaths confirmed to date is 89 this year; last year, 100 deaths were recorded for the same period, reflecting an 11% decrease.

Thirty-seven infant deaths have been confirmed this week, compared to 43 last year in the same epidemiological week. The cumulative total of infant deaths is 943 this year, compared to 1,192 last year, indicating a continued decline in this indicator.

Santo Domingo.- The National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) and the General Directorate of Medicines, Food, and Health Products (Digemaps) have banned the sale and distribution of Colgate Total Prevention Active Clean Mint toothpaste imported from Brazil, citing adverse health effects.

According to a joint statement from Pro Consumidor director Eddy Alcántara and Digemaps head Leandro Villanueva, the product’s health registration number PC2024-1539 has been suspended due to non-compliance with safety standards. As a result, its commercialization in the Dominican Republic is now prohibited.

The decision follows reports from Brazilian health authorities linking the toothpaste to oral issues such as irritation, canker sores, and mouth ulcers. Similar health complaints have also been reported in the Dominican Republic, prompting an immediate recall operation by inspectors from both agencies.

The withdrawal comes after a surveillance meeting with Colgate-Palmolive representatives last week. Authorities emphasized that this measure aims to protect public health and will apply to all affected batches of the product currently on the market.

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Santo Domingo.- During the Dominican Week of Science and Technology, Yale epidemiologist Sten H. Vermund highlighted how emerging technologies like mRNA vaccines, nanopatches, nasal sprays, and needle-free devices could transform infectious disease prevention. Speaking at the 20th International Congress of Scientific Research, organized by MESCYT, Vermund also emphasized the role of AI, big data, and drones in improving vaccine development and distribution.

He noted ongoing vaccine efforts for diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, and Zika, while stressing the need to combat misinformation to ensure equitable global coverage. The event, hosted at O&M University, featured international experts and included panels, workshops, and symposia. Vice Minister Genaro Rodríguez Martínez underscored the importance of science and innovation in advancing national progress.

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