As of January 21, 2025, the Pacific region is facing several ongoing health alerts related to epidemic and emerging diseases. Key updates on disease activity include increases in dengue, influenza, and pertussis cases, along with significant vigilance surrounding respiratory illnesses. Below are the latest reports from various Pacific nations and territories.
Dengue Outbreak in French Polynesia
French Polynesia continues to report dengue activity with a decrease in the incidence and positivity rate since previous weeks. In the second epidemiological week (EpiWeek 2) of 2025, 69 new dengue cases were confirmed, bringing the total number of reported cases since November 2023 to 729. The affected areas include Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and other islands. While the number of new cases is declining, authorities emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant during the rainy season and back-to-school period. Since the epidemic began, no severe cases or fatalities have been reported. The dominant serotype in the region is DENV-1, which has been the sole serotype identified since December 2024. A blue alert for DENV-1 remains in place.
Influenza Surge in French Polynesia and New Caledonia
French Polynesia has also experienced a significant increase in influenza cases. In EpiWeek 2, 18 new cases were reported, with a higher positivity rate compared to the previous week. Among the cases, four hospitalizations were recorded, including one child and three individuals aged over 60, all of whom were unvaccinated. This rise in cases suggests the onset of an influenza epidemic, prompting a red alert for Influenza A.
Meanwhile, New Caledonia’s government raised an influenza epidemic alert on January 17, 2025, as hospital services experience increased pressure due to a rise in respiratory virus circulation. The region is now under a red alert for influenza.
In Vanuatu, a seasonal influenza outbreak was declared in early January 2025 after 360 cases were recorded in Efate Island, surpassing the alert threshold. The causative agent remains unconfirmed, but authorities are coordinating with partners to facilitate laboratory testing.
Pertussis Cases in French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and New Zealand
Pertussis remains a concern in several Pacific nations. French Polynesia has reported 578 confirmed cases of whooping cough since June 2024, with a noticeable uptick in cases during EpiWeek 2. A red alert for pertussis remains active in the territory.
New Caledonia and New Zealand have also seen increases in pertussis cases. As of January 20, New Caledonia reported 190 cases since April 2024, while New Zealand’s case numbers have risen from 72 in EpiWeek 1 to 108 in EpiWeek 2. In New Zealand, 135 cases have been reported in January 2025 alone, with one death confirmed. Hospitalization rates are high, particularly among infants under one year of age, with 55.2% of cases in this age group requiring hospitalization. Both countries maintain blue alerts for pertussis.
Measles Alerts in Australia
Australia has reported several measles alerts linked to imported cases between January 16-20, 2025. These cases, connected to travelers from Southeast Asia, have prompted health authorities to urge the public to ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations, including measles. In 2024, Australia saw 56 measles cases, an increase from 26 in 2023, with many linked to overseas travel.
Ongoing Monitoring and Public Health Response
Health authorities across the Pacific region are closely monitoring the evolving disease situations. The rapid spread of respiratory illnesses, particularly influenza and pertussis, underscores the ongoing need for public health vigilance, vaccination, and testing efforts. The Ministry of Health in Vanuatu and other territories are collaborating with international partners to confirm pathogens and enhance the response.
As of the latest reports, the Pacific region remains on high alert for these emerging health threats, with ongoing disease surveillance and response strategies in place to mitigate further spread.
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