Dengue in the Dominican Republic: Constant surveillance in the face of the Aedes aegypti challenge
The Dominican Republic remains under strict epidemiological monitoring due to the presence of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito responsible for the transmission of dengue. Although the country is currently in a success zone within the endemic corridor, recent rainfall has alerted authorities to prevent a resurgence in the population of these insects.
As of Epidemiological Week 31 of 2026, the official registry records 245 confirmed cases. Although this figure represents a 34.6% increase compared to the 182 cases reported in the same period last year, the disease’s behavior remains below historical alarm levels, even showing a downward trend in the most recent days.
Scientific innovation against resistance
Beyond fumigation campaigns, the scientific community is working to solve a growing problem: mosquito resistance to insecticides. Recent research has focused on microRNAs, molecules that could be granting Aedes aegypti biological capabilities to survive traditional chemicals.
The findings suggest that miR-33 and other similar molecules could regulate proteins in the mosquito’s nervous system, altering the efficacy of insecticides. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is key to developing new, more effective vector control strategies.
Prevention: The fundamental pillar
As science advances, the Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic reiterates the importance of the “Cover, Clean, and Eliminate” strategy. This measure seeks to eliminate domestic breeding sites, such as buckets, tires, and containers that accumulate water, places where the mosquito completes its reproductive cycle.
- Cover: Securely seal water storage containers.
- Clean: Regularly sanitize drinking water containers.
- Eliminate: Get rid of unused objects that serve as reservoirs for stagnant water.
Regional outlook and other diseases
At the level of the Americas, the outlook is encouraging with a significant 61% reduction in suspected dengue cases compared to 2025. Regarding other pathologies under surveillance in Dominican territory, 17 probable cases of tetanus have been recorded so far this year, underscoring the importance of keeping vaccination schedules up to date.
The National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) continues to analyze circulating serotypes, with DENV-2 being the most prevalent among typed cases. Alofoke Deportes recommends that citizens stay informed through official channels and actively collaborate by eliminating mosquito breeding sites in their homes to ensure the country remains at epidemiological control levels.
