Respiratory Viruses Remain Stable, H3N2 Still Dominant in Early 2026
Over the past four weeks, respiratory viruses have maintained a stable pattern. Influenza A (H3N2) was the most prevalent agent between March 1st and 7th, followed in frequency by adenovirus.
This is according to the latest epidemiological bulletin for week 9, which also reports three cases of dengue, three of malaria, one case of whooping cough, one maternal death, and 24 infant deaths.
Compared to the same period last year, the trend is similar, also characterized by a predominance of influenza type A (H3N2) in 2025. Although, the previous year saw greater activity of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which has shown less circulation this time around.
According to the Ministry of Public Health and the Directorate of Epidemiology, this behavior is due to a combination of seasonality, population immunity, changes in viral circulation, and environmental changes.
A total of 28 cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (IRAG) were also reported.
Dengue Cases Continue
Following the report of 15 suspected patients, three tested positive for dengue, a viral disease transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, characterized by high fever, intense pain (joints, muscles, headache, retro-orbital), and rashes.
The observed pattern suggests persistent circulation of the virus, with variations typical of seasonal dynamics, reinforcing the importance of continuous epidemiological surveillance and preventive actions.
Malaria Incidence
Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by the bite of the Anopheles mosquito, infected with parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Its most common signs include fever, chills, and sweating.
This year 2026, the municipality of San Juan de la Maguana shows the greatest magnitude of cases, maintaining its position as the territory with the highest burden, while Guayabal presents lower but equally relevant values.
To date, the country has reported 10,340 suspicions in 2026, with 784 in the last seven days. 33 patients have tested positive for the disease, three of them in the last week evaluated.
Leptospirosis Reports
Regarding leptospirosis, a zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira, transmitted mainly by contact with water or soil contaminated with urine from infected animals, especially rodents, health authorities counted five suspected patients and one positive case.
Since the beginning of 2026, the country has accumulated 27 confirmed cases and one death from this disease. For the same period in 2025, the figures amounted to 36 infections and four associated deaths.
Maternal and Infant Deaths
The bulletin indicates that between March 1st and 7th, a Haitian woman died as a result of her pregnancy, bringing the total to 12 in 2026.
Of these, eight are mothers from the neighboring country (66.67 %) and four are Dominican.
Regarding infant deaths, authorities reported 24 deaths, reaching 289 deaths since January 1st.
Compared to last year, both maternal deaths and infant deaths are downward: In 2025, 36 maternal deaths and 334 infant deaths were recorded.
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