Respiratory virus epidemiology in the Pacific Island Countries for EPI - WK 44, 2024

Influenza and Other Respiratory Virus in PICs:

Pertussis

In WK 43, 62 confirmed cases were reported, with 28 in Tahiti and the first case in Taha'a (no travel history). Cases included 6 infants under 10 months, 5 children aged 1-6, and 51 individuals aged 7-70. No hospitalizations occurred.

In WK 44, first pertussis case reported on Fakahina island in a resident who had visited Tahiti and Bora-Bora. Control measures are in place to limit spread. Source: Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire Polynésie française N° 43, 2024.

FSM

As of 04 November 2024, New Caledonia has reported 74 pertussis cases since April, with 22 cases in October and 31 in September. One case has been reported so far in November, with the latest on 01 November. - Source

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity is on the rise, particularly in the southern, southeastern, and middle Atlantic regions, with increased cases in young children (Source)

Avian influenza A(H5N1) & A (H5) USA:

COVID -19 (monthly update)

WHO is currently tracking several SARS-CoV-2 variants, including:

Dengue

French Polynesia Dengue updates

The total number of reported cases since November 27, 2023, is 225 including 16 new dengue cases with a stable positivity rate of 23.5% in WK 43 out of 68 samples. Among these, 10 individuals reside in Tahiti, one is a resident of Rangiroa who visited Moorea during the exposure period, and four are visitors, one of whom was exposed in Rangiroa and contagious in Tikehau and Tahiti. In WK 44, 7 new confirmed cases were reported, all from Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, and one visitor. A new hospitalization was recorded for an individual over 60 years old, with a one-day stay. No severe cases or deaths have been reported since November 27, 2023. Among the 171 serotyped samples, DENV-1 accounts for 60% and DENV-2 for 40%. DENV-1 has become the predominant serotype since late July. Cases are mostly isolated but also occur in clusters, particularly among children and young adults. A new cluster was identified in Mahina at Pointe Venus, and spraying actions are underway. Of all reported cases, 78 are under 20 years old (35.7%), with a median age of 29 years. Source: Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire Polynésie française N° 43, 2024.

Watery diarrhea

From 28 October to 03 November 2024, Vanuatu reported 236 cases of watery diarrhea in Efate, with 73% of cases occurring in children under 5 years old. The causative agent has not yet been laboratory confirmed. The outbreak in Efate remains ongoing for the year, but no deaths have been reported. (Situation update 02 (08 November 2024)

Global situation update based on available data:

Marburg virus disease (MVD)

No new cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) have been reported in Rwanda since October 30, 2024. The last two cases were confirmed by the Rwandan Ministry of Health on October 26 and October 30, and both were known contacts of previously confirmed cases. Additional doses of the investigational Marburg virus vaccine have been sent to support the response. Since September 27, 2024, and as of November 7, 2024, a total of 66 MVD cases have been reported, of which 49 have recovered, and 15 have resulted in death. Available information indicates that all cases are part of a single large cluster with multiple branches, linked to healthcare facilities and tracing back to the presumed index case. Source

Global updates MERS-CoV

Others :