The Pacific region is currently facing various infectious disease challenges, as reported by ReliefWeb on October 22, 2024. This comprehensive update covers multiple countries and territories, highlighting the ongoing efforts to monitor and control outbreaks of dengue, influenza, COVID-19, pertussis, and other emerging health concerns. Let’s delve into the details of these epidemic alerts and examine their impact on public health in the region.
Dengue Outbreak Updates
Dengue fever continues to be a significant concern in the Pacific, with several countries reporting cases and maintaining alert levels.
French Polynesia
In French Polynesia, the dengue situation appears to be relatively stable. During EpiWeek 18, only one dengue case was confirmed out of 55 samples tested. Encouragingly, no new cases were detected in EpiWeek 19, keeping the total number of reported cases at 49. Health authorities have reported no deaths or hospitalizations during this period, which is a positive sign. As a precautionary measure, the blue alert for dengue is being maintained.
Samoa
The situation in Samoa is more concerning, with a significant increase in dengue cases. In EpiWeek 18, 44 new lab-confirmed dengue cases were reported, bringing the total to 342 since November 2023. While no hospitalizations or deaths have been reported, the spread of the disease is notable. The most vulnerable groups appear to be children under 10 years old and adults over 60 years old. Health officials are still awaiting serotype results, which could provide valuable information for targeted interventions. Given the current situation, Samoa is maintaining a red alert for dengue.
Influenza A Outbreak in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is also grappling with a significant influenza outbreak. In EpiWeek 18, there were 43 new confirmed cases of influenza, with the vast majority (42 cases) being Influenza A and only one case of Influenza B. The severity of this outbreak is evident in the hospitalization rates:
– 22 cases required hospitalization
– Two patients were admitted to the ICU
– One death occurred in a person aged over 60
The positivity rate for influenza tests has seen a sharp increase, rising from 24.2% in EpiWeek 17 to 40.2% in EpiWeek 18. This surge in cases and the high positivity rate have led authorities to maintain a red alert for influenza in French Polynesia.
COVID-19 Situation Across the Pacific
Despite global progress in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, several Pacific nations are experiencing ongoing challenges with the virus.
Australia (Victoria)
Victoria has issued an alert due to increased COVID-19 activity. The 7-day average hospitalization figures have risen to 208, and there’s elevated detection of COVID-19 in wastewater, indicating high levels of community transmission. These indicators suggest that Victoria may be facing a new wave of infections, prompting health authorities to remain vigilant.
Hawai’i
From April 30 to May 6, Hawai’i reported:
– 5.4% average positivity rate
– 41 average daily COVID-19 cases statewide
– An average of 31 hospitalizations daily
– Four patients in ICU beds daily
– No reported deaths
The 7-day average daily cases have increased in three counties: Hawaii, Honolulu, and Kauai, while remaining stable in Maui county. This data suggests that while the situation is not critical, there’s a need for continued monitoring and preventive measures.
New Zealand
New Zealand has seen a significant number of new cases in the past week:
– 3,922 new COVID-19 cases reported
– 13 additional deaths
– 152 COVID-19 cases in hospitals as of midnight on Sunday, May 12
The seven-day rolling average of cases has increased to 477, with Canterbury recording the highest number of new cases, followed by Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Auckland, and Capital and Coast. This uptick in cases indicates that New Zealand is experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 infections.
Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Island (CNMI)
The CNMI has reported an increase in COVID-19 cases:
– 14 COVID-19 cases reported in EpiWeek 18, up from 8 cases in EpiWeek 17
– 31% increase in the number of cases compared to the previous three epidemiological weeks
– One hospitalization reported during this period
This data suggests a potential new wave of infections in the CNMI, requiring close monitoring by health authorities.
Pertussis Outbreaks in French Polynesia and New Caledonia
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is causing concern in parts of the Pacific region.
French Polynesia
Between June 14 and August 21, French Polynesia reported:
– 56 confirmed cases of pertussis
– Nine new cases in EpiWeek 33, all residents in Tahiti
– Ten new cases as of August 22, including one case from Moorea
– Five children required hospitalization, including three infants aged 3 months or younger
The ongoing spread and severity of cases, particularly among young infants, have led authorities to maintain a red alert for pertussis in French Polynesia.
New Caledonia
New Caledonia is also facing a pertussis outbreak:
– 47 cases reported since April 2024
– 26 cases notified since the beginning of September
– Most recent case dated September 18, 2024
The rapid increase in cases over a short period has prompted health officials to maintain a red alert for pertussis in New Caledonia as well.
Other Infectious Disease Concerns
Typhoid Fever in Kiribati
Kiribati is dealing with an ongoing typhoid fever outbreak:
– Four new typhoid cases reported between July 31 and August 14, 2024
– 86 cases diagnosed since June 5
– 20 cases requiring hospitalization
The persistence of this outbreak has led to the maintenance of a red alert for typhoid fever in Kiribati.
Mpox Outbreak in Australia
Australia, particularly Victoria, is experiencing an mpox outbreak:
– 120 reported cases of mpox in Victoria since April 2024
– Two locally acquired cases reported in Western Australia on August 21, 2024
This ongoing outbreak highlights the need for continued surveillance and public health measures to control the spread of mpox in Australian jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the current status of dengue in the Pacific region?
A1: Dengue remains a concern in the Pacific, with French Polynesia maintaining a blue alert and Samoa maintaining a red alert. Samoa has reported a significant increase in cases, particularly affecting children under 10 and adults over 60.
Q2: How serious is the influenza outbreak in French Polynesia?
A2: The influenza outbreak in French Polynesia is considered serious, with a red alert in place. There’s been a sharp increase in cases, high hospitalization rates, and a rising positivity rate, indicating widespread transmission.
Q3: Is COVID-19 still a major concern in the Pacific?
A3: Yes, COVID-19 remains a significant concern in several Pacific nations. Australia (Victoria), Hawai’i, New Zealand, and the CNMI are all reporting increases in cases or maintaining vigilance due to ongoing transmission.
Q4: What other infectious diseases are causing concern in the region?
A4: Besides dengue, influenza, and COVID-19, pertussis (whooping cough) is a major concern in French Polynesia and New Caledonia. Typhoid fever is an issue in Kiribati, and there’s an ongoing mpox outbreak in