Santo Domingo. The Ministry of Public Health assured this Thursday that In the Dominican Republic there is no influenza epidemicdespite the alarm generated in recent days by the increase in respiratory viruses typical of the season.
The Minister of Health, Victor Atallahexplained that the circulation of respiratory viruses at this time of year is normal and expectedboth in the country and throughout the Caribbean and Latin American region.
In that sense, he indicated that official reports confirm that cases remain within usual rangeswithout increases outside of what is established.
“The influenza is an endemic diseaseis present every year and currently does not show a performance above what was expected. In the Dominican Republic there is no influenza epidemic“said the official.
It should be noted that last Tuesday, the governor of Puerto RicoJennifer González, declared state of emergency for activate exceptional measures for the protection of public health, toGiven the proclamation of an epidemic due to the influenza virus in the Caribbean archipelago.
Active and controlled epidemiological surveillance
Atallah highlighted that the Ministry of Health maintains a permanent monitoring through the Sentinel Surveillance systemwhich allows rigorous monitoring of the behavior of respiratory viruses, to act preventively.
Likewise, he stressed that other diseases such as dengue, zika and chikungunyawhich affect several countries in the region, They are under control in Dominican territoryas a result of prevention and continuous surveillance actions.
Influenza vaccination and response capacity
The minister recalled that the country has flu vaccines timely acquired, whose application continues at the national level, prioritizing the most vulnerable groupsas older adults, pregnant and people with chronic diseases.
Furthermore, he assured that the Dominican health system is prepared to respond to any eventuality, with active protocols, regional coordination and constant monitoring, especially due to the usual flow of people from neighboring countries.
Recommendations to the population
The authorities reiterated to citizens the importance of maintaining basic prevention measures, such as frequently washing your hands, wearing a mask if you have respiratory symptoms, avoiding self-medication and going to the doctor if you feel any discomfort.
“The country can rest assured. We work with planning, vigilance and responsibility to protect the health of the Dominican people,” said Atallah.
