Attachments
Highlights/updates since the last map was sent on PacNet on 29 August 2023:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):
Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19 testing, vaccination and reporting strategies across the Pacific region, the data reported might not reflect the true situation in a number of countries.
- Tokelau: As of 27 July 2023, the total number of COVID-19 cases detected in Tokelau is 99. Latest update received is dated from more than 2 weeks ago. A star is added. – Source: Personal communication with country official on the 27 July 2023.
Other information:
Hepatitis E
- New Caledonia: Health authorities in New Caledonia have raised awareness about a surge in hepatitis E cases in August, with 11 confirmed cases, half of which were asymptomatic. The investigation is ongoing. – Source: Media release of New Caledonia Government, released on 31 August 2023
Leptospirosis
- Guam: As of 01 September 2023, Guam's Department of Public Health and Social Services has confirmed three cases of leptospirosis: One case in late July and two cases in August. There is also one suspected case pending lab results. Source: Pacific Island Times - Health officials confirm cases of Leptospirosis in Guam accessed on 04 September 2023.
Mpox (Monkeypox)
- Australia, New South Wales (NSW): As of 28 August 2023, A few new cases of monkeypox (mpox) have emerged in NSW, primarily linked to individuals who engaged in sexual activity abroad or with partners who recently travelled internationally.– Source: NSW - Mpox update accessed on 05 September 2023
Meningococcal Disease
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Australia, South Australia (SA): As of 29 August 2023, A case of invasive meningococcal disease has been reported in a 14-year-old male from rural SA, who is now stable in the hospital. The specific strain of the disease is still being determined, and SA Health has identified and directed 23 contacts of the patient to receive clearance antibiotics. - Source: Government of South Australia, SA Health - Meningococcal case 29 August 2023 accessed on 05 September 2023.
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New Zealand: As of 29 August 20923, Te Whatu Ora confirmed a meningococcal disease case in Canterbury and assures that the risk of further transmission is low. Close contacts have been treated with antibiotics, and the public is urged to consider vaccination for protection. - Source: RNZ - Meningococcal case found in Canterbury, no transmission concerns accessed on 05 September 2023.
Ross River Virus
- Australia, Western Australia (WA): The Western Australia Health Department issued a warning on August 29, 2023, after identifying Ross River virus (RRV) in mosquitoes collected from the Southwest area for the first time in two years. The virus has been found in many trapping sites along the coastal corridor, indicating its presence.– Source: Government of Western Australia Department of Health - Ross River Virus Warning for the South West accessed on 05 September 2023
Outside of the Pacific:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
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China: On August 28th, China's foreign ministry declared that beginning August 30th, inbound travellers would no longer be required to undergo a pre-departure antigen test for COVID-19. Source: REUTERS - China to drop COVID antigen test requirement for inbound travellers accessed on 05 September 2023.
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WHO Weekly epidemiological update on COVID-19: In the 28 days to August 27, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 1.4 million new COVID-19 cases, marking a 38% increase compared to the previous 28 days, while the number of deaths decreased by 50% with over 1,800 deaths reported. Globally, there have been more than 770 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and over 6.9 million deaths. WHO is transitioning to providing updates every four weeks as part of its long-term COVID-19 prevention, control, and management efforts, given the decline in testing and reporting, and the next edition is scheduled for September 28, 2023. – Source WHO - Weekly epidemiological update on COVID-19 - 1 September 2023 accessed in 05 September 2023.