Dengue Cases Plummet in Dominican Republic – But Vigilance Remains Key
Santo Domingo – The Dominican Republic is experiencing a critically important decline in dengue fever cases compared to last year, offering a welcome sign for public health officials.Data indicates a considerable drop in both consultations and hospitalizations, with just 174 cases reported in week 33 of this year, a stark contrast to the 1,118 cases recorded during the same period in 2023 – representing one of the lowest incidence rates in decades.
The encouraging trend is largely attributed to the widespread dengue epidemic that swept through the country and the Americas in 2023. That outbreak,which saw over 27,000 cases reported in the Dominican Republic – the largest number ever recorded – and exceeding 10 million cases across the region,is believed to have substantially reduced the number of susceptible individuals. Experts suggest the epidemic effectively lowered the population’s vulnerability to circulating dengue serotypes, either through infection and subsequent immunity or by reducing the prevalence of those specific virus strains.
Currently, the provinces most affected by dengue remain consistent: Santo Domingo, the National District, Santiago, and San Cristóbal, although the distribution can fluctuate.
Public health officials urge continued vigilance, emphasizing the importance of monitoring for alert symptoms, including fever and headache.
Regarding preventative measures, the Ministry of health is continuing its existing strategies. However, an infectologist consulted on the matter noted that while these actions have had a moderating effect, they haven’t been fully sufficient to eliminate the threat.
While the decrease in cases is positive, authorities stress the need for ongoing monitoring and preventative efforts to maintain this progress and protect the population from future outbreaks.
