Two (2) new pertussis cases were reported in EpiWeek 13. Both cases are from Efate Island.
The cumulative total has increased to 813 cases, comprising 782 clinically diagnosed and 31 laboratory‑confirmed cases.
The cumulative number of pertussis‑associated deaths remains at seven, including six deaths in Tanna and one in Shefa.
Overall pertussis activity in 2026 continues to show a declining trend compared with the peak observed in late 2025, although case numbers remain above the alert threshold.
Sex distribution remains approximately equal, with no consistent predominance across age groups.
Cases have been reported across all age groups, with the highest burden among children aged 1–9 years; a substantial proportion of cases also occurred in infants under one year of age.
Among cases with known vaccination status, 47% were unvaccinated, while 36% had received at least one dose of a pertussis‑containing vaccine.
Geographically, cases remain concentrated in Efate (~54%) and Tanna (~38%), with smaller numbers reported in Futuna (~8%) and one case from Erromango.
While transmission is decreasing, enhanced surveillance will continue as the outbreak is still ongoing.
