Leptospirosis cases surge in Dominican Republic amid mixed health trends

The Dominican Republic is facing a sharp rise in leptospirosis cases in 2026, with 260 confirmed cases reported by epidemiological week 30, compared to 93 in the same period of 2025, according to the Ministry of Public Health Source: eldiado. This represents a 172% increase, with Puerto Plata (74 cases) and Santo Domingo (34 cases) leading Source: eldiado. However, recent weeks show a downward trend, with only two new cases in the latest week Source: diariolibree. The disease has also claimed 19 deaths this year, up from eight in 2025, a mortality rate of 7.3% Source: eldiado.

Other health indicators

While leptospirosis is rising, other diseases show improvement. Malaria cases dropped 83% to 115 in 2026 from 673 in 2025 Source: hoydo. Maternal deaths fell 27.7% to 73, and infant deaths decreased 9.2% to 992 Source: hoydo. However, another report cites 1,042 infant deaths in the first 30 weeks, down from 1,134 in 2025 Source: listindiario. Dengue cases increased 20% to 213, but remain within the endemic corridor Source: hoydo.

Expert concerns

Infectologist Clemente Terrero warns that leptospirosis mortality can be significantly higher than dengue, citing 2022 data showing 10.6% mortality for leptospirosis versus 0.03% for dengue Source: eldiado. He also notes that the introduction of dengue serotype 2 could trigger a new outbreak Source: hoydo.

Prevention measures

The Ministry urges the public to avoid contact with potentially contaminated water, maintain hygiene, and seek medical care for symptoms like fever and calf pain Source: diariolibree. Surveillance and prevention efforts continue through provincial health directorates Source: eldiado.