The Ministry of Public Health reported six new infections of dengue registered during epidemiological week (EW) number 5, for a cumulative of 30 cases and an incidence of 2.83 per 100,000 inhabitants.
He indicated that the provinces with the highest incidence are Valverde, Elías Piña, La Altagracia, Duarte, San Juan and Monte Cristi.
As for the malariaDuring SE-05, 3 new cases were confirmed, for a cumulative total of 17 so far this year. The distribution of confirmed cases is concentrated in the towns of Guayabal and San Juan.
Likewise, he reported that other diseases and events prioritized under epidemiological surveillance, such as cholera and COVID-19did not register cases during SE-05, according to reports from the Epidemiology Directorate.
Public Health also added that during the first five epidemiological weeks of 2026 there has been a decrease in confirmed cases of leptospirosis compared to the same period, but in 2025. This shows a downward trend in the incidence of the disease.
According to official data, while in epidemiological week 5 of 2025 a confirmed case was reported, in the same week of 2026 no cases were reported. The accumulated total for 2026 is 17, while for 2025 28 were reported.
respiratory viruses
At the beginning of 2026, the circulation of respiratory viruses in the country shows a progressive decrease in viral activity, although it persists in a residual manner. respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the influenzaincluding AH3N2, confirming the temporary extension of the respiratory season.
“Together, these findings show a dynamic characterized by sustained cocirculation and differentiated peaks by agent, and in the case of influenza A(H3N2), this maintains a constant, although not dominant, presence,” said Public Health.
Maternal and Infant Mortality Indicators
During Epidemiological Week SE-05, four deaths were reported corresponding to women of Haitian nationality.
In 2025, 20 deaths were recorded, of which 11 were women of Haitian nationality and 9 were Dominican; while in 2026 the accumulated total is 8 deaths, of these 6 are women of Haitian nationality and 2 are Dominican women. These data reflect an overall decrease compared to the previous year.
Likewise, 29 child deaths were reported, for a cumulative total of 154 during the first five epidemiological weeks, evidencing a decrease in the number of child deaths reported in 2026, compared to the same period in 2025 where 191 were recorded.
Main theme
In issue number five of the epidemiological bulletin, the main topic is World Orofacial Motor Day, which is celebrated every February 17, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of speech therapists in childhood, to solve problems that may occur in boys and girls.
The commemoration of this date is held in honor of the outstanding speech therapist Irene Marchesan, whose legacy has transcended borders, setting guidelines for the growth and development of this specialty both in Brazil and around the world. Orofacial motor skills in children with motor failure of cerebral origin (IMOC) systematically analyzes the orofacial alterations present in children with IMOC, a non-progressive neurological condition that affects motor control, posture and voluntary movement.
