As of 18 April 2026, the Dominican Republic had confirmed 74 leptospirosis cases among 134 suspected cases, a 50% increase compared with the same period in 2025, with four reported deaths. Cases are spread across several provinces, particularly Espaillat, Santo Domingo, Santiago, Peravia, and Duarte.

Authorities link the rise to persistent rainfall and flooding, which increase exposure to contaminated water. Public health warnings emphasize avoiding stagnant water, improving hygiene, controlling rodents, and seeking prompt care for symptoms such as fever, headache, calf or back pain, vomiting, and jaundice.

Leptospirosis is primarily transmitted through the urine of rodents, especially rats, contaminating water sources such as rivulets, puddles, or mud. Humans can become infected through direct or indirect contact with contaminated urine via small skin cuts or mucous membranes. Clinical manifestations range from flu-like symptoms to aseptic meningitis and sepsis.