Public health authorities in the Dominican Republic are reporting a concerning start to 2026, wiht 33 infant deaths recorded during the first week of the year.The figures, released by the country’s national Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sinave), highlight ongoing challenges related to maternal and infant health within the nation. Alongside infant mortality, officials are also monitoring cases of dengue fever, malaria, and leptospirosis, as detailed in the latest epidemiological report.
Public health officials in the Dominican Republic reported 33 infant deaths during the first epidemiological week of 2026, according to data released by the country’s National Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sinave).
The majority of these tragic losses occurred in Santo Domingo, accounting for 9 deaths, followed by Santiago with 6. San Cristóbal and Duarte provinces each recorded 3 infant fatalities.
Health authorities define infant mortality as the death of a child between birth and their first birthday, encompassing neonatal mortality – deaths occurring within the first 28 days of life. Tracking these rates is crucial for understanding the overall health and well-being of a population.
According to the Ministry of Public Health, infant mortality rates reflect a population’s sanitary conditions, socioeconomic factors, nutritional status, and access to medical care.
In addition to infant mortality, one maternal death was reported in San Cristóbal province during the same period. The death, which occurred outside of a hospital setting, involved a 41-year-old woman.
Regarding prioritized health events, officials are monitoring a potential increase in dengue fever cases. Eleven suspected cases and one confirmed case were reported in Barahona province during the first week of the year.
Five cases of malaria were identified in Guayabal, a municipality within Azua province. Malaria, also known as paludism, is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 15 days after the bite and include fever, vomiting, headache, sweating, and chills.
Currently, no cases of leptospirosis have been reported in the Dominican Republic during the first week of 2026. However, over the past four weeks, 10 cases have been confirmed, representing a 26% decrease compared to the previous period, the Ministry of Public Health stated.
Leptospirosis is a potentially epidemic disease, particularly following heavy rainfall, caused by a bacterium called leptospira. The infection is contracted through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or a contaminated environment. Human-to-human transmission is rare.
The illness can manifest in a wide range of ways, from mild symptoms to severe and potentially fatal disease. Because its symptoms – such as those resembling influenza, dengue, and other viral hemorrhagic fevers – can be easily confused with other illnesses, Public Health emphasizes the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis to prevent severe complications and save lives.
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