Authorities rule out anthrax risk in Dominican territory
The Minister of Defense, Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, brought reassurance to the population by ensuring that, so far, there is no health alert in the Dominican Republic following reports of suspected anthrax cases in the neighboring country of Haiti. The official emphasized that neither security agencies nor the Ministry of Public Health have detected any signs of the bacteria on Dominican soil.
So far, there is no type of alarm for the Dominican Republic. It is an issue that is being handled there, in the territory of the neighboring country.
Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, Minister of Defense.
Border situation and trade
Regarding border dynamics, Fernández Onofre clarified that commercial activity at key points such as Dajabón remains completely normal. The minister noted that no extraordinary preventive measures have been implemented, as the current situation does not require them. Likewise, he detailed the protocol followed in the exchange of goods:
- Dominican cargo vehicles do not enter Haitian territory, limiting themselves to reaching the border area.
- The process of transporting products is carried out following long-established schemes.
- Dominican authorities maintain constant communication with their Haitian counterparts to understand the scope of the new restrictions announced by the Haitian government.
Context on the outbreak in Haiti
Concern arose following the investigation of 13 suspected cases of cutaneous anthrax in the community of Baliverne, Haiti. Although two deaths have been reported in that area, local authorities have not yet confirmed that anthrax was the direct cause of the deaths. The bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which causes this disease, is usually transmitted through contact with infected livestock, which is why the Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic is maintaining reinforced epidemiological and animal health surveillance as a precautionary measure.
Security in the border zone
Regarding national security in the face of the insecurity crisis affecting Haiti, the Minister of Defense reiterated that the presence of criminal gangs is concentrated in the Port-au-Prince area, far from the border line. Dominican security forces continue to closely monitor any movement in the area to guarantee the sovereignty and tranquility of the citizens.
