Attachments
Highlights/updates since the last map was sent on PacNet on 21 November 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 country.
- French Polynesia: In week 46, 39 New cases were detected out of 126 tests conducted with a positivity rate of 28.7% and an incidence rate of 14/100,000 population. Two cases have been hospitalised with one in ICU (Intensive Care Unit). The circulating Omicron sub-variants identified in the samples are XBB.1.5 and EG.5.1 (ERIS) and the most recent known sub-variant, JN.1 (derived from BA.2.86). The increased in detected cases has been observed since week 43 and as a result, a red alert is added on the map. - Source: Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française n°44-2023 posted on pacnet on 25 November 2023.
Dengue
- Palau: As of November 27, 2023, there have been 3 probable and 7 confirmed cases of DENV-2 reported, with no new confirmed cases detected between October 26 and November 26. It has been 4 weeks since any reported cases, and as a result, the blue alert is removed. - Source: Dengue Fever Situation Report, Palau, August -- November 2023 -- November 27, 2023.
Influenza A & B
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI): The number of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases increased from 47 in week 45 to 61 in week 46. Testing confirmed the following: 4 cases of Flu A, 11 cases of Flu B, 4cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and other identified aetiologies The blue alert is being maintained. - Source: CNMI Weekly Surveillance Report 2023 -- Epi Week 46 posted on PacNet on 22 November 2023.
Other Information:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Tonga: There was an increase in the number of cases from 12 in week 44 to 18 in week 46. Tonga continues to operate within the green light status, with no severe cases reported. Samples have been collected and sent for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) on 21/11/2023. - Source: Ministry of Health Tonga -- Weekly Communicable diseases syndromic surveillance epidemic week 46 (13/11 - 19/11)
Dengue
- Fiji: The Ministry of Health is grappling with a significant rise in dengue cases, with Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu reporting 5,571 cases this year compared to 4,835 in the same period last year. Despite an increase in trends, especially during the wet season, the Ministry has implemented monitoring programs and processes, and Dr. Lalabalavu assures that timely treatment is being provided to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. - Source:LTDD on the rise -- FBC News accessed on 28 November 2023.
Influenza A
- French Polynesia: In week 46, 7 new cases of Flu A were detected out of 62 tests conducted. Two cases were hospitalized, with 1 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There has been a slight increase in influenza activity, but it is still considered very moderate. The flu vaccination campaign began on October 23, 2023. - Source: Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française n°44-2023 posted on PacNet on 25 November 2023.
Respiratory Illness
- China: Since mid-October 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring an increase in respiratory illness in children in northern China. China's National Health Commission attributed this rise to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the onset of the cold season, citing known pathogens like influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Following reports of undiagnosed pneumonia clusters, WHO requested data from China, which, on November 23, revealed an increase in outpatient consultations and hospital admissions for various respiratory infections, prompting enhanced surveillance and public health measures. - Source: Upsurge of respiratory illnesses among children-Northern China (who.int) accessed on 28 November 2023.