Dominican Republic: 33 Infant Deaths, Dengue & Malaria Cases – Week 1 2026

Dominican Republic: 33 Infant Deaths, Dengue & Malaria Cases – Week 1 2026

January 25, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

Public health surveillance data from the first epidemiological week of 2026 indicates concerning trends in infant mortality and the presence of several infectious diseases. The national surveillance system (Sinave) reported a total of 33 infant deaths during this period.

Infant Mortality Trends

The majority of these deaths occurred in Santo Domingo, accounting for 9 cases. Santiago followed with 6 deaths, while San Cristóbal and Duarte each recorded 3 infant fatalities. Public health authorities note that infant mortality—defined as the death of a child between birth and one year of age—also encompasses neonatal mortality, which refers to deaths within the first 28 days of life.

Did You Know? The data collected reflects the sanitary, socioeconomic, nutritional conditions, and access to medical care within a population.

Alongside infant mortality, one maternal death was reported in the province of San Cristóbal. This case was classified as occurring outside of a hospital setting and involved a 41-year-old woman.

Infectious Disease Surveillance

Regarding prioritized health events, 11 suspected and 1 confirmed cases of dengue fever were identified in the province of Barahona during the first week of the year. Additionally, 5 cases of malaria were detected in Guayabal, a municipality within Azua province.

Understanding Malaria

Malaria, also known as paludism, is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, 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.

Expert Insight: The decline in leptospirosis cases, while positive, underscores the ongoing risk associated with this bacterial disease, particularly following heavy rainfall. The potential for outbreaks remains a concern, given its transmission route through contact with animal urine or contaminated environments.

Leptospirosis is considered a disease with epidemic potential, especially after periods of significant rainfall. The bacteria, called leptospira, 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 can mimic other illnesses—such as influenza, dengue, and viral hemorrhagic fevers—public health officials emphasize the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis to prevent severe complications and save lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered infant mortality?

Infant mortality refers to the death of a child between the time of birth and their first birthday. This includes deaths occurring within the first 28 days of life, which are categorized as neonatal mortality.

Where were the majority of infant deaths reported?

The largest number of infant deaths were reported in Santo Domingo, with 9 cases, followed by Santiago with 6 cases.

How is malaria transmitted?

Malaria is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito infected with the Plasmodium parasite.

What factors might influence the trends observed in these health indicators in the coming weeks and months?