Santo Domingo, RD/DIARIO DE SALUD. – The Ministry of Public Health reported on Wednesday that the situation of dengue cases in the country was similar to the previous week, but there was a slight decrease in suspected cases.
Likewise, the start of vaccinations against influenza A (HINI), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B to protect those most vulnerable to the disease has shown a slight increase in cases and people suffering from respiratory infection issues in recent days Went to a medical center in the country.
Dr. Eladio Pérez, Undersecretary of Collective Health, explained that dengue cases are beginning to decrease slightly in some pediatric hospitals in the greater Santo Domingo region, and that, apart from this demarcation, most cases are concentrated in Santiago, San Cristóbal, La Vega, Puerto Plata, Barahona and Monte Cristo. Serotypes 02 and 03 predominate.
However, he said that it is necessary for the public to maintain preventive measures and not to relax their vigilance. The main thing is to eliminate mosquito breeding areas. If you have fever or other symptoms of similar diseases, please go to a health center. In the year to this epidemiological week (SE #37), the total number of registered cases was 8,772 and 9 deaths, giving a mortality rate of 0.9%.
Presenting the country’s dengue-related statistics, he reiterated that the Dominican Republic remains in the best position compared to other Latin American countries, with up to 80 fewer cases per week.
“The behavior of the disease is declining, slightly decreasing, we are seeing cases, but the diversity of contagions is not as diverse as before; this is evidenced by the epidemiological analysis we do weekly to track the number of cases,” Deputy Minister Perez said.
The official asked patients not to self-medicate but to visit the nearest health center if they experience dengue-like symptoms, namely fever, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, headache and eye pain.
Likewise, during a regular press briefing, Health Secretary Dr. Daniel Rivera announced the start of Flu Vaccination Day, which provides a stage for journalists, communicators and photojournalists covering health sources to enjoy the flu Benefits of Vaccination.seasonal flu vaccine
The Minister of Health advises the most vulnerable people to go to health centers and vaccination stations across the country to get a flu shot to avoid a large number of infections, as the flu spreads more easily.
He said people affected by Covid-19 should pay special attention to getting this vaccine as it helps strengthen the immune system and helps avoid pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
“The disease is showing an upward epidemiological curve and pediatric hospitals are reporting an increase in the number of respiratory cases, especially influenza and pneumonia,” the official added, while recommending the use of masks and proper hygiene care as safety measures.
Dr. Aida Lucía Vargas, Director of Vaccine Immunoprophylaxis (DIV), reported that starting next week, vaccination will be rolled out nationwide through the District and Provincial Health Directorates (DAS/DPS), which will receive biologics according to their respective populations.
Children aged 6 to 24 months, pregnant women, people over 65 years old, health workers, people with poor health and members of the media are the most vulnerable to the disease and are also targeted for vaccination.
Dr. Vargas said that in addition to the 142 fixed vaccination sites, influenza vaccinations will also be conducted in schools, churches, shopping malls, and sports centers.
Likewise, he stated that they plan to use the 470,000 doses received before the end of the year, or rather, a large number of vaccines before the onset of winter, when the number of cases will increase, so that high-risk groups are properly protected. .
Hospital situation
In the same order, Dr. Hugo Mendoza, Director of the Children’s Hospital, Dr. Dhamelisse then, and Dr. Mabel Jones, a physician at the Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital, detailed the current situation related to dengue fever in these health centers because of the number of suspected dengue cases received in these areas. most.
They said 90 inpatients at Hugo Mendoza Hospital were febrile but in stable condition, while 54 patients in stable condition at Robert Reid Hospital were hospitalized, including two in intensive care due to comorbidities.
COVID-19 Bulletin #1,125
In Bulletin No. 1,125, Dr. Eladio Pérez reported that the number of cases related to the COVID-19 virus decreased slightly last week, with only 68 positive samples out of 3,243 samples processed.