Attachments
Highlights/updates since thelast map was sent on PacNet on 05 March 2024:
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.
- Wallis & Futuna: From August 28, 2023, to February 19, 2024, a total of 210 confirmed COVID-19 cases were identified. Among these cases, 13 individuals required hospitalization, including three in intensive care, resulting in one death in week 04, 2024. The most recent update was provided more than two weeks ago and as a result, a star is added to blue alert on the map. Source : Bulletin de surveillance épidémiologique 01/2024 – Semaines 31/2023 a 7/2024 Données du 01/08/2023 au 19/02/2024 shared with PPHSN focal point on 23 February 2024.
Dengue
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French Polynesia: As of Epi-week 09, seven new confirmed dengue cases were identified among the 105 samples tested. Additionally, three more cases were detected in Epi-week 10, bringing the total to 27 cases since the beginning of 2024 (26 confirmed and one probable case). Among the reported cases, 13 residents were from Tahiti, eight from Moorea, and six from Rangiroa. No admissions were reported during this period. The red alert is maintained. Source : Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française n°09 -2024 shared with PPHSN focal point on 09 March 2024.
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Samoa: In February 2024, 22 dengue cases were reported, bringing the total to 58 cases since November 2023. The most affected age group are individuals aged 60 years and above, with the Northwest of Upolu being the hardest-hit region. Public health response measures include environmental assessments, Communicable Disease Control Committee (CDCC) efforts to raise awareness and plans for an Integrated Vector Control Committee meeting to formulate a comprehensive strategy. The cases exceeded the threshold in week 07 of 2024, as a result a red alert is added on the map. Source: Samoa Ministry of Health Dengue Situation Report, Epi-week 8: 19 – 25 February 2024
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Tokelau: The Tokelau Health Department has recorded 130 dengue fever cases since the outbreak began on December 9, 2023. All cases were mild, five people were admitted to the hospital for loss of appetite and dehydration with no reported deaths. Since the last update, which was provided more than a month ago, no new cases have been detected. As a result, the alert is removed from the map. Source: Personal communication with country official on 12 March 2024.
Influenza A
- French Polynesia: In week 09, six new influenza cases were confirmed from 80 tests conducted. All cases were confirmed to be Influenza A. No hospitalizations were reported this week. The flu epidemic is continuing. Additionally, RSV was also identified and in circulation. The blue alert is maintained. – Source: Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française n°08-2024 shared with PPHSN focal point on 09 March 2024.
Other information:
Dengue
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New Caledonia: Between January and February 2024, a total of six dengue cases were reported, including two locally acquired cases of dengue fever caused by DENV-1 and DENV-2. Additionally, there were two imported cases from Indonesia, both confirmed to be DENV-1, and two probable cases. There is currently no indication of an ongoing dengue outbreak. - Source: La dengue, le chikungunya et le Zika | Direction des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales de Nouvelle-Calédonie (gouv.nc) accessed on 12 March 2024.
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New Zealand: In Week 10, six confirmed cases of dengue fever were reported in New Zealand. These cases had travelled to Indonesia (3 cases), Brazil (2 cases), and Thailand (1 case) during the incubation period. This brings the overall count of imported dengue cases in New Zealand to 22 in 2024. Source: NZ Arbovirus Notifications by Country (10: 02/03/2024–08/03/2024) report shared with PPHSN focal point by ESR on 11 March 2024.
Influenza-like illness (ILI)
- Northern Marianna Island (CNMI): The number of ILI cases increased from 25 in EW08 to 37 in EW09, indicating a 16% overall increase compared to the preceding three Epi Weeks. Among the 37 cases in EW09, 16 were identified as follows: two Influenza A, one Influenza A & B, one COVID-19, two Pneumonia, one Gastroenteritis, seven Streptococcus, and two upper respiratory infections. Source: CNMI Weekly Surveillance Report 2024 – Epi Week 09 shared with PPHSN focal point on 07 March 2024.
Leptospirosis
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French Polynesia: In Week 09, 15 new leptospirosis cases were reported out of 101 samples taken, bringing the total to 34 cases reported in week 08 and 09. Among these, 30 cases were confirmed by PCR, while four were considered probable cases based on positive serology alone. There were 21 hospital admissions, indicating a hospitalization rate of 62%. Of the reported cases, 28 occurred in individuals residing in the Windward Islands (25 in Tahiti and 3 in Moorea), with the remaining 6 cases in the Leeward Islands (1 in Huahine, 2 in Raiatea, and 3 in Tahaa). Source : Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française n°09-2024 shared with PPHSN focal point on 09 March 2024.
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New Caledonia : From January to February 2024, a total of 21 leptospirosis cases were reported, spread over 10 communes (South Province : 4 cases, North Province : 17 cases, Islands Province : 0). Among these cases, 20 individuals were hospitalized (95%), with seven (35%) requiring intensive care treatment . Currently, the number of cases has not surpassed the alert threshold for leptospirosis. However, heightened vigilance will be maintained over the next 15 days due to the heavy rainfall affecting New Caledonia. Source : Leptospirosis | Department of Health and Social Affairs of New Caledonia (gouv.nc) accessed on 12 March 2024.
Measles
- Australia: From March 5 to 8, two Australian states issued measles alerts in response to confirmed cases among travellers returning from overseas. The Victoria Department of Health issued a measles alert for Melbourne Airport and Metropolitan Melbourne after identifying five measles cases in Victoria, including two in returned travelers. These cases attended various public venues in Victoria while infectious, with two cases also being infectious during flights. New South Wales (NSW) Health has issued a measles alert for Sydney Domestic Airport and Sydney CBD, advising people to watch for signs and symptoms, following the notification of an infectious adult from Victoria on flights to and from Sydney Domestic Airport and while visiting Sydney's CBD. Source: Updated measles alert for Melbourne Airport and Metropolitan Melbourne | health.vic.gov.au and Measles alert for Sydney Domestic Airport and Sydney CBD - News (nsw.gov.au) accessed on 12 March 2024
Outside of PICTs
Measles
- Taiwan: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan confirmed three new measles cases, including one imported and two locally transmitted cases connected to a cluster in northern Taiwan. The local cases are linked to a man in his 30s who contracted measles in February, with health authorities conducting investigations, and the CDC expects the outbreak to potentially peak in March or April based on past patterns. Source: 2 more local measles cases reported in northern Taiwan: CDC - Focus Taiwan accessed on 12 March 2024.