[Excerpt]
Overview
- In ERiWeek 02 (Period from 06/01/2025 -12/01/2025), National Surveillance unit recorded a total of 419 Influenza like Illness cases in Efate Island. There was no lab testing done to confirm causative agent.
- Majority of the cases were from Ohlen, Mele, Bladiniere with more than 25 cases followed by Teouma with 10 cases.
- No deaths reported during the reporting period.
- The number of cases documented has surpassed the alert threshold {268 cases /week), Outbreak is maintained on Efate Island.
- Respiratory Viruses are easily spread by an infected person to another through direct contact similarly to COVID-19.
- These viruses are common around the world and follow a seasonal pattern with increased during the dry cold period between May and October in Vanuatu. Previous years outbreaks occurred mainly in May- June.
- The Ministry of Health is working with partners to support with specimen testing overseas.
- Case definition: Fever either reported or measured (>=38°C) PLUS
- Cough (usually dry)
- Sore throat
- Other symptoms can included a runny nose, headache, muscle and joint pains, and fatigue (sever tiredness)
- Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result.