Dominican Republic: Maternal Deaths Decline and 28 Dominicans Arrested at U.S. Border

Public health: two weeks without maternal deaths in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic Ministry of Public Health reported that two consecutive weeks passed without any maternal deaths in the country, according to the epidemiological bulletin for week 8.

As of February 28, 2026, a total of 11 maternal deaths had been recorded: four Dominican mothers and seven Haitian mothers. The Santo Domingo Province registered the highest number of cases, with three deaths.

These figures represent a significant decline compared with the same period in 2025, when 32 maternal deaths were reported, marking a 65.6% reduction.

Health authorities also reported 18 new infant deaths, bringing the total to 249 since the start of the year, compared with 303 cases during the same period in 2025.

The epidemiological bulletin also highlighted several indicators related to infectious diseases:

• Dengue: 43 confirmed cases in 2026, a 35% decrease compared with 2025.

• Malaria: 30 confirmed cases, representing an 85% reduction.

• Leptospirosis: 30 cumulative cases.

• Cholera: no cases reported in 2026.

Regarding respiratory viruses, authorities noted moderate activity, including the presence of influenza A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09, SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, and metapneumovirus.

Overall, the data indicates a general downward trend in epidemiological indicators, although several respiratory viruses continue to circulate.

Migration: 28 Dominicans arrested at the U.S. southern border

Meanwhile, U.S. authorities reported that 28 Dominican nationals have been arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the southern border with Mexico since the start of fiscal year 2026.

According to CBP, the individuals were intercepted after crossing the Rio Grande in an attempt to enter the United States irregularly.

The figure marks a notable decline compared with 2025, when nearly 400 Dominicans were detained during attempts to cross the border clandestinely.

According to CBP spokesperson Rod Kise in the Rio Grande Valley sector, most of the individuals arrested this year were single adults traveling alone, while three belonged to family groups. Authorities also stated that no unaccompanied Dominican minors have been identified among those apprehended.

The Rio Grande corridor remains one of the most frequently used crossing points for migrants attempting to enter the United States, despite an overall decline in migration flows in recent years.

Soraya Ades.