Pacific Island Nations Hit With Outbreaks
**Dengue, pertussis, and avian influenza are posing health concerns across the Pacific region. Dengue has spread in French Polynesia while New Zealand confronts a whooping cough epidemic.
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Dengue Fever
An increase in dengue cases has been reported in French Polynesia.
French Polynesia is facing a dengue fever outbreak. For the week of November 1-7, EpiWeek 46, there were 33 new cases confirmed from 93 samples tested. These new cases included residents of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Moorea, Ua Pou, Fakarava, and Tikehau, a remote atoll. Notably, this marks the first case in all of Tikehau.
From November 27, 2023 onward, a total of 306 dengue cases (283 confirmed and 23 probable) have been recorded.
An upward trend in cases and rising positivity rate:
The upward trend remains. The positivity rate has also been increasing recently, reaching 35.5% during EpiDengue Fever
Diarrhea:
In Vanuatu, the number of cases of watery diarrhea increased from 118 to 123 while diarrhea reports have climbed to 1008. While Vanuatu has been under a designated grey alert since Week 45.
Pertussis / Whooping Cough:
Multiple Pacific nations from Week 32 on. This manual update adds a locality to the WHO declaration for the ongoing outbreaks.
Increasing cases in several Pacific nations:
Increased cases of whooping cough have been reported across several nations.
- French Polynesia: Between June 14 and November 17 (EpiWeek 46): French Polynesia documented 340 confirmed cases overall.
In EpiWeek 46 alone, 27 new cases were recorded.
Both occurred in Tahiti and Montes
A situation requiring attention:
- French Polynesia: Two infant hospitalizations, both under 5 months of age.
one infant is under 3 months old. It marks the first death
The decreasing number of new reports and stability in the positivity rate over the last three weeks. The red alert status for French Polynesia will remain in effect.
- New Caledonia: As of December 2, 116 cases have amplified observed in
New Caledonia reports 116 confirmed cases.
Total cases for the year since April 26 inpatients.
Twenty
Samoa:
Recently declared
Samoa has declared an outbreak of pertussis after recording six confirmed cases. Six young children
*Noteworthy increase in New Zealand:**
August of 2024 witnessed
with a total of
Kululu:
Multipu
*Multiple factors are likely contributing: cases in
Other Information: Avian Influenza – One Health
On December second, a
Turkey farm in Otago. *Source: Food
The affected
For more information
What are the specific factors contributing to the decline in vaccination rates in Pacific Island nations experiencing measles outbreaks?
## Pacific Island Nations Hit With Outbreaks
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing a concerning wave of outbreaks affecting several Pacific Island nations. Joining us to shed light on the situation is Dr. Alex Reed, an epidemiologist specializing in infectious diseases in the Pacific region. Dr. Alex Reed, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the measles situation. We’re seeing outbreaks in Samoa, Tonga, American Samoa, and Fiji. What’s contributing to this resurgence?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** This is a worrying trend. Measles is a highly contagious virus, and outbreaks often occur when vaccination rates drop. [1] While the information you provided mentioned these outbreaks, it doesn’t delve into the specific reasons behind the decline in vaccination rates in these particular regions. However, factors like vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and limited access to healthcare can all play a role.
**Host:** That’s concerning. Are there any other diseases causing concern in the region?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Unfortunately, yes. We’re also seeing a rise in dengue fever cases in French Polynesia. This is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause severe flu-like symptoms.
**Host:** And you mentioned whooping cough, or pertussis?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** That’s right. New Zealand is currently dealing with a whooping cough epidemic. This highly contagious respiratory infection can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
**Host:** This sounds like a challenging situation for the Pacific region. What steps are being taken to address these outbreaks?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Health authorities in affected countries are working hard to contain these outbreaks. This includes vaccination campaigns, public health messaging to raise awareness about prevention and symptoms, and strengthening surveillance systems to track the spread of these diseases. International organizations like the World Health Organization are also providing support.
**Host:** What can individuals do to protect themselves and their families?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** The most important thing is to ensure everyone is up to date on their vaccinations. For measles, two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective. When traveling to the Pacific region, it’s also crucial to take precautions against mosquito bites, like using insect repellent and wearing long clothing. And if you experience any symptoms of these diseases, seek medical attention promptly.
**Host:** Dr. Alex Reed, thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
**Dr. Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
**[End interview]**
