Epidemic and emerging disease alerts in the Pacific as of 11 February 2025 – World

The Pacific islands region faces a⁣ number⁤ of health concerns, including a new COVID-19 outbreak in Niue⁤ and ⁤persistent dengue and‌ influenza outbreaks in French polynesia⁣ and New Caledonia.

COVID-19 Outbreak in Niue

As of February 7, 2025, Niue’s Department of Health has declared ⁢a COVID-19 outbreak, with 99 active cases, ⁢including 45⁢ new cases reported between‌ February 3rd​ and 7th. Four⁣ hospitalizations have been recorded since​ the⁣ outbreak began on January 11th. The Health ⁤Department expects more unreported cases⁤ and attributes the rise to public gatherings and incoming travelers.

“The red alert for COVID-19 is maintained,” ⁤said the ⁤Health​ Department.

While no restrictions are currently ⁣in place,health officials recommend ⁤self-isolation for⁢ positive cases,along with mask-wearing,handwashing,and proper coughing etiquette to limit⁣ the spread.

Dengue in ⁤French Polynesia

French ‌Polynesia continues to grapple with a significant dengue ⁤outbreak.⁢ In the fifth Epidemiological Week of 2025 (EpiWeek 05), 79 new cases were reported, bringing the total number of cases to 936 as ‍November 27,‌ 2023. The⁢ recent increase in incidence and positivity rates ​has ‍prompted ⁤continued vigilance during the rainy season.

DENV-1 has been the dominant serotype since EpiWeek 51, 2024, according to the ⁣ Bulletin de surveillance⁢ sanitaire de Polynésie française.

“The blue alert for DENV-1 is maintained,” said a statement from the Polynesian Health⁢ Surveillance Bulletin.

Influenza Outbreaks in‍ French Polynesia and​ new caledonia

French⁢ Polynesia ⁢is experiencing ⁤an ongoing influenza outbreak. In EpiWeek 05, 43 new⁣ influenza cases (40 type A and 3 ⁤type B) were reported, with‌ a positivity rate of 22%.Thirteen⁣ hospitalizations were reported, including two‌ in ​intensive care. No deaths ⁢have been ⁣reported since the ‍beginning of ‌the outbreak. ​

“The red ⁢alert for influenza A is maintained,” stated the Polynesian Health Surveillance Bulletin.

New⁣ Caledonia is experiencing ⁢an⁣ unusual ​influenza ‌outbreak that began earlier and has persisted longer than the​ typical ‌flu ‌season.

between November ⁢4, 2024, and January ⁤31, 2025, 188 confirmed cases were reported, ⁤with​ influenza A being the ⁢dominant type.

“The ⁣red alert for influenza⁤ is updated to a red ⁢alert ‍for Influenza A,” ‌stated the New Caledonian ⁤Health Department.

Staying Informed ⁢and Protected

these outbreaks⁣ highlight‌ the importance of staying informed about health threats in​ the pacific‍ region. Residents and travelers should follow health recommendations, practice good hygiene,⁤ and consider vaccination‌ against influenza and COVID-19 where‍ available. Regular⁢ monitoring of health advisories from local health authorities is crucial for ensuring personal safety ‌and well-being.

Pacific Regional Outbreak Update: ⁤Influenza, Pertussis, ‌and Measles

This ​report provides an ⁤overview of recent outbreaks‌ and surveillance data ‌for influenza, pertussis, and‌ measles in the Pacific region.

Influenza activity in‌ the Pacific

Efate ⁤Island in Vanuatu⁣ has experienced a concerning rise in influenza-like illness (ILI), surpassing the designated alert threshold. ⁢As ⁣of January 26, 2025, ‌Vanuatu’s National surveillance ⁤Unit reported‍ a total of 513 cases of ILI, ​with nine additional cases recorded since January 19, 2025.‍ this total surpasses the alert threshold of 268 cases per week, with the cumulative number⁤ of⁣ cases since week 52 of 2024 reaching⁢ 2,065.

“The grey alert for influenza-like illness is maintained, awaiting identification of the causative⁤ agent,” stated the Efate Island ⁣Seasonal⁢ Influenza Outbreak ⁢- Situation Report #4, covering the period‍ from ⁣December 30, 2024,‍ to⁣ January 26, 2025.

Vila Central Hospital ‌(VCH)‌ reported four hospitalizations, but ⁣thankfully, ‌no deaths have been reported since December⁢ 30, 2024. Notably, 62% of​ reported cases ⁤occurred⁣ in individuals over five years‍ old.

Pertussis Trends in​ the⁤ Pacific

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, remains a concern in ‍several⁤ Pacific island nations. French Polynesia has seen a downward trend in pertussis‍ cases,⁤ with both incidence⁢ and positivity rates decreasing.

“A downward trend is observed, with both the incidence ⁤and positivity​ rate decreasing (10% vs. 14% the previous ⁤week),” stated the Bulletin ⁤de ​surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française n°5⁣ – 2025, ‌wich reports 635‌ confirmed pertussis cases between June 14, 2024, and February 2, ⁢2025.

The blue alert remains in effect ​for French Polynesia,where the most affected age ​groups⁤ remain children under 10 years old ​and individuals aged 30–39 years.

New‌ Caledonia ‌has reported 204⁣ cases ‌of pertussis as April 2024, out of 1,331 samples tested. The most recent case was reported⁢ on ‌January 4, 2025.⁤ The blue alert remains active in New Caledonia.

In ⁤New Zealand, pertussis cases increased in⁤ the ⁣week ending January 31, 2025, ‍reaching 123 ‍weekly ⁣cases from 106 in the previous week. The total reported cases for ⁢January 2025 reached 464.⁣ The blue alert remains ⁣in effect.

Measles Outbreaks: A Global Concern

While‍ not solely a Pacific issue,a concerning measles outbreak in ‍Vietnam highlights ⁣the importance of‍ robust ‌vaccination programs.

Vietnam News reported that the World Health ‌Association (WHO) assessed Vietnam’s measles outbreak risk ​as “vrey high” and recommended large-scale vaccination campaigns⁢ in ​high-risk ‍areas, along with catch-up vaccinations.

In 2024,Vietnam recorded over 45,550 suspected ‍measles cases,including ‍7,583 confirmed infections and​ 16 deaths. “A significant number‌ of cases occurred in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children, particularly infants under nine months,” according to Vietnam News.

Staying Informed ‌and Protecting Your Health

Staying informed about outbreaks in your region and taking⁣ preventative‍ measures, such⁢ as vaccination and ⁢good hygiene practices, ​are crucial for⁣ protecting individual and community ‌health.

For the latest updates on disease outbreaks in‌ the Pacific, consult reliable​ sources such as the ⁣World Health Organization (WHO) and national health authorities.

Measles Surge:​ A Growing⁤ Concern in Việt nam

The ⁢World Health⁤ Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about a concerning⁣ rise in measles cases ‌in ⁤Việt Nam. This surge ⁤comes as a global vaccination campaign strives​ to‍ eradicate the highly contagious disease. The WHO emphasizes the urgency ⁣of addressing this situation to protect public health, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Factors ‍Contributing⁤ to ‍the ‌Surge

While ⁢experts haven’t pinpointed a single cause⁢ for the measles surge, ‌several factors likely contribute to ‍the situation. These include:

• Vaccine ‍hesitancy: Misinformation ‌and⁢ mistrust surrounding vaccines ‍have ⁢led‌ some individuals​ to decline vaccination for themselves or their children.⁤ This reluctance‌ creates ⁢opportunities for the virus to spread.
• Limited access to healthcare:‍ In some⁤ areas of Việt Nam, access to healthcare ‌services, including vaccines, remains limited.This disparity can leave communities more vulnerable to outbreaks.

The Impact of Measles

Measles is ⁤a serious illness that can lead to severe‌ complications, particularly ⁢in young children. Symptoms ‍include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. ⁢ Untreated measles can cause‍ pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that can have⁤ devastating ‍consequences, particularly for young children,” ​said a WHO spokesperson. “we urge everyone to ⁣get vaccinated⁤ and to take steps⁤ to protect ⁤themselves and their loved ones.”

Addressing ⁤the Surge: A Call to action

Combating the measles surge in Việt Nam requires a⁢ multi-pronged approach.

• Strengthening vaccination programs: Increasing vaccine ⁢coverage ​through targeted campaigns and improving access to healthcare services are crucial ⁤steps.
• Combating misinformation: Public health authorities must actively address vaccine hesitancy⁣ by providing‌ clear,⁣ accurate data about the safety⁢ and ​effectiveness ⁤of ‍vaccines.
• Community engagement: Engaging local ​communities and building trust are essential for triumphant vaccination ⁣efforts.

The rise in⁣ measles cases ⁤in Việt Nam serves ⁢as a ‌reminder of the importance⁢ of global ⁣vaccination efforts. Strengthening ​public health⁢ systems, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and ⁢promoting widespread vaccination are essential for protecting communities ​from ⁤this preventable disease.

Given the increasing pertussis cases in‌ New Caledonia⁣ and New Zealand,what specific actions ⁣are being taken⁤ to control the ⁤spread of the disease in those areas?

Pacific Regional Outbreak Update: Interview with Dr. Moana Tui

Dr. ⁣Moana Tui, Regional Epidemiologist at⁢ the Pacific Islands Health Alliance, offers insights into the recent⁤ surge⁢ in influenza-like illness (ILI) in Vanuatu and the ongoing pertussis trends⁢ in the Pacific region.

Dr.Tui, can you give us an overview​ of ‍the current ILI situation in Vanuatu?

“Vanuatu‍ is currently ⁣experiencing a concerning rise in ILI,”‍ Dr. Tui explains. “Efate Island‍ has surpassed the alert threshold for cases, with over 500 recorded as⁢ of January 26th.​ While​ there‌ haven’t been any reported deaths, it’s crucial to identify the causative agent quickly to implement the most effective⁢ control ⁢measures.”

Is the situation under control, and what measures are being taken ⁤to contain the ​spread?

“We are‍ closely monitoring​ the situation,” Dr.Tui reassures. “A gray alert remains⁤ in effect,⁢ and the National Surveillance ⁤Unit continues to ​gather‌ data ⁢and conduct investigations. Public​ health ⁣messaging emphasizing hygiene ⁣practices, cough etiquette, and staying home when sick are ‍being ​disseminated widely.”

Pertussis, or whooping cough, continues to be a concern in several‌ Pacific island nations.‍ What ‌are the latest trends in​ cases?

“We’re⁢ seeing‍ a ‍mixed picture,” Dr. Tui states. “French Polynesia⁢ has shown a downward trend ⁣in⁢ cases, but New Caledonia​ and New Zealand have reported ⁤increases.⁢ In France ‌Polynesia,the most affected‌ groups are ⁢children‌ under 10 and adults aged ⁢30-39. It’s a reminder that pertussis can affect peopel of all ages.” Dr. Tui stresses, “Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent ‌whooping cough.”

Beyond the⁣ Pacific, there ⁣have been alarming reports of a measles ​outbreak in Vietnam. What ⁢does this highlight for ⁣us?

“the ‌resurgence of measles in Vietnam is a stark reminder of the importance of global vaccination efforts,” Dr. Tui emphasizes. “Measles⁣ is highly contagious and can ‍be deadly, especially for young children. We must⁤ remain vigilant in our efforts to maintain high⁤ vaccination coverage⁤ and combat ‍misinformation⁢ about vaccines.”]

What advice would you ⁣give individuals ⁤in the Pacific region to protect themselves and their families from these ⁢diseases?

“The best protection against these diseases is vaccination,” ⁤Dr.Tui concludes. “Stay ⁣informed through reliable sources like the [World Health Association](https://www.who.int/) and your local health authorities. Practice good​ hygiene habits, like frequent handwashing, and cover your cough and sneezes. If you are experiencing any ‌flu-like symptoms, stay⁣ home and seek medical attention.”