Attachments
Highlights/updates since the last map was sent on PacNet on 20 May 2025:
Dengue
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Cook Islands: The Ministry of Health has officially declared a dengue fever outbreak in Rarotonga on 22 May 2025, following confirmation of two new cases since 19 May. As of 22 May 2025, a total of 7 locally acquired dengue cases have been reported in the past 18 days reaching the outbreak threshold. Since February 2025, a total of eleven isolated cases have been recorded, with Tupapa recording the highest number of dengue cases, five out of eleven cases. Local transmission has been confirmed. The serotypes that are responsible for this current outbreak are Dengue Virus Type 1 (DENV-1) and Dengue Virus Type 2 (DENV-2). Stakeholder meetings are underway, and an island-wide clean-up and peri-focal spraying will continue for two weeks. Surveillance has expanded to the Pa Enua, and clinics remain on high alert. WHO and regional partners have been notified. No travel restrictions are in place, but precautions are advised. The public is urged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, use repellents, wear long sleeves, and seek medical care if symptoms appear. A red alert for DENV-1 and DENV-2 is added. – Sources: Dengue Fever Outbreak Media Release,Operation Namu activated as dengue cases rise in Rarotonga and Tupapa hit hardest by dengue outbreak accessed on 27 May 2025.
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French Polynesia: In EpiWeek 20, 48 new dengue cases (41 confirmed and 7 probable) were reported. Since November 27, 2023, a total of 2,024 cases have been recorded, including 1,816 confirmed and 208 probable cases. Four new hospitalisation was reported in EpiWeek 20. The positivity and hospitalisation rate increased compared to EpiWeek 19. The blue alert for DENV-1 is maintained. – Source: French Polynesia Health Surveillance Bulletin No. 18 - 2025 shared with focal point on May 27, 2025.
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Kiribati: The Ministry of Health confirmed a dengue outbreak on 24 April 2025, after a significant rise in confirmed cases. As of 22 May 2025, the Health Ministry reported a total of 55 dengue confirmed cases and 163 suspected dengue cases with twenty-nine cases admitted, of which twenty-five has been discharged. Dengue cases range in age from 8 months to 75 years, with the most affected group being those aged 20 to 39 years. Among all reported cases, 54% are female and 46% male. The serotypes that are responsible for this current outbreak are Dengue Virus Type 1 (DENV-1) and Dengue Virus Type 2 (DENV-2), tested at Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Melbourne Australia. The Ministry of Health is actively promoting health awareness on social media through posters, press releases, and videos. It continues to investigate cases, conduct house-to-house inspections in high-risk areas, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and advise community members to maintain a clean and healthy environment. A red alert for DENV-1 and DENV-2 is maintained. – Source: Dengue Fever Situational Report #5 (22 May 2025) shared with focal point on 22 May 2025.
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Samoa: As of 19 May 2025, the Ministry of Health reported 29 lab-confirmed dengue cases in EpiWeek 20 (12-18 May 2025) bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 110 and one reported death since the declaration of the outbreak on 17 April 2025. The majority of cases (77%) are from Upolu Island, with an equal split between males and females. Most cases are concentrated in the Apia Urban Area and the Northwest Upolu regions, with individuals under 20 years old (69%) being the most affected. 22% of cases require hospitalisation, and of these admissions, 88% have been discharged. Of the 20 cases that have confirmed serotypes, 85% are DENV-1 and 15% are DENV-2. The Ministry of Health continues collaboration across sectors through a whole-of-government approach via the Integrated Vector Control Committee. Current response efforts are focused on source reduction and environmental sanitation measures, ongoing risk communication on dengue preventative measures on all media outlets while urging the public to wear long-sleeved clothing to minimize risk of infection, use mosquito nets and repellents, remain vigilant for severe symptoms and to seek medical attention immediately when necessary. The red alert for DENV-1 and DENV-2 is maintained. – Source: Dengue Fever Situational Report #5 (19 May 2025) shared with focal point on 26 May 2025.
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Tonga: As of 26 May 2025, the Ministry of Health reported thirteen new dengue cases, bringing the total confirmed cases to 793 since the declaration of the Outbreak on 19 February 2025, primarily affecting 10-19-year-olds. Three dengue-related deaths have been reported to date and three patients are currently hospitalised and in stable condition. Authorities continue case investigations, vector control at hot spot areas and public awareness efforts, urging residents to eliminate breeding sites, use protective measures, and seek medical attention for severe symptoms. The serotype that is responsible for this current outbreak is Dengue Virus Type 2 (DENV-2) identified by the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Melbourne Australia. The red alert for DENV-2 is maintained. – Source: Dengue Fever Outbreak, Situation report #54 (26 May 2025) shared with focal point on 26 May 2025.
Influenza
- French Polynesia: In EpiWeek 20, 17 new influenza cases (2 type A, 9 type B) were reported. Among these cases, there were six hospitalisations reported. Since EpiWeek 03, 560 influenza cases were reported with a total of 178 hospitalisations and twelve deaths. The positivity rate decreased, and hospitalisation rate slightly increased during this reporting period. Over the past four weeks, Influenza B has become the predominant strain in circulation. The alert is changed to Influenza B to reflect the current situation. The blue alert for influenza B is maintained. – Source: Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française n°18 - 2025 shared with PPHSN Coordinating Body focal point on 27 May 2025.
Pertussis/Whooping cough
- New Zealand: As of week ending on 16th May, weekly pertussis cases in New Zealand increased to 44 from 34 in week ending on 9th May, bringing the total reported cases since the beginning of 2025 to 1275. According to the latest report from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) 2,361 confirmed, probable and suspect cases have been notified since the start of the national epidemic on 19 October 2024. Of these, 206 cases (9.1%) have required hospitalisation with one reported death, with 96 (49%) of the 198 cases in infants under 1 year hospitalised. The blue alert is maintained. – Sources: Pertussis dashboard and Pertussis Report 19 April–16 May 2025 accessed on 27 May 2025.
Other Information:
Chikungunya
- Réunion Island: The ongoing chikungunya epidemic in Réunion Island has seen a decline in chikungunya cases after five weeks of intense activity, but the virus's circulation remains high. From 12 to 18 May 2025, there have been 4,730 consultations and 116 visits to the emergency room. Since the beginning of the year, 188,600 consultations, 2,674 visits to the emergency room, 391 hospitalizations and twelve deaths linked to chikungunya have been reported. Despite the epidemic calming down in Reunion, health authorities are concerned about potential transmission in mainland France due to favorable weather conditions for the tiger mosquitoes. The vaccination campaign which began on April 07 remains available for those aged 18 to 64 with comorbidities. Health Authorities emphasize monitoring for allergic reactions within 72 hours of vaccination and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms occur. Health authorities are urging heightened vigilance for travellers to Réunion, visitors are advised to take preventive measures against mosquito bites, including the use of insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning. Returning travellers may pose a risk of introducing chikungunya to other regions, where Aedes mosquito vectors are present. It is recommended that returning travellers monitor for symptoms (fever, joint pain, rash) for up to two weeks and seek medical attention if symptoms arise. - Sources: Chikungunya : Health authorities are removing people aged 65 and over from the targets of the chikungunya vaccination campaign with the IXCHIQ vaccine in Réunion and Mayotte and Chikungunya in Reunion: week 12 to 18 May 2025 accessed on 27 May 2025.
Measles
- Australia: In Australia, three new locally acquired measles cases have been reported in Victoria. There is currently an increased risk of measles in greater Melbourne, in addition to the ongoing risk of measles importation in Victoria in travellers returning from overseas. The public who visited greater Melbourne area from early May have been advised to monitor for symptoms up to 18 days after exposure and to contact their GP if symptoms develop. - Source: New locally acquired measles cases in Victoria accessed on 27 May 2025.
- Canada: In Canada, for EpiWeek 20 (11 – 17 May 2025) there has been 354 new measles cases (309 confirmed and 45 probable) bringing the total to 2515 cases (2197 confirmed, 318 probable) across nine jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are as follows Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan. - Source: Measles and rubella weekly monitoring report accessed on 27 May 2025.
- United States: In the United States, the CDC reported a total of 1,046 measles cases across 31 U.S. jurisdictions, as of May 22nd with 92% of these cases linked to fourteen outbreaks. The majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals (96%), and 12% of the cases have resulted in hospitalization. There have been three confirmed deaths. The 31 jurisdictions that have reported measles cases are as follows, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. - Source: Measles Cases and Outbreaks accessed on 27 May 2025.