Santo Domingo.- In the Dominican Republic, the cases of leptospirosis increased considerably during the year 2025surpassed 260% when compared to 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Public Health.
According to him National Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sinave) dela Directorate of Epidemiology (Diepi)in 52 weeks last year 186 cases of leptospirosis were confirmedwhile in the entire year 2024 only 52 were registered, which is equivalent to an increase of 262%.
Furthermore, in that period it was reported 19 deaths related to the disease compared to 7 the previous year, for a incidence rate of 1.74 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants.
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease that can be serious and is transmitted mainly by contact with water, food or soil contaminated with animal urineespecially rats.
From the above it follows that it is an infection caused by bacteria that can enter the body. through the skin or mucous membranesespecially when a person walks or works in dirty water or flooded areas.
The most common symptoms They are fever, headache, muscle pain and general malaise. In some cases they appear yellowing eyes or skin (jaundice). If not treated in time, it can cause damage to the kidneys, liver and even death.
When were there more cases?
The records show two times of the year with more infectionsthe first in Januaryat the beginning of the year, with more than 10 confirmed cases, while the second occurred between June and Augustcoinciding with the rainy season. In contrast, between February and May the incidence remained low.
During the second half of the year, that is, of September to Decemberconfirmed cases ranged between 3 and 7 per weekwith a downward trend towards the end of the yearwhich shows the presence of two clearly defined waves transmission.
Importance of going to the doctor on time
Authorities explain that, in some cases, there are delays between the onset of symptoms, medical care and official notification of cases. Therefore, they insist on the importance of going immediately to a health center in the event of any suspicious symptom, to achieve early diagnosis and antibiotic treatmentwhich can save lives.
Recommendations to prevent leptospirosis
The Ministry of Public Health urges the population to avoid contact with stagnant waterreinforce the measures of hygienecontrol the presence of rodents and go immediately to health services in the event of symptoms compatible with leptospirosis, especially during the rainy season.
