Based on the provided web search results, here’s a summary of the current epidemic and emerging disease alerts in the Pacific as of 07 January 2025:
- French Polynesia:
- Dengue: In epiweek 52 of 2024, 43 new dengue cases were reported across several islands, including Tahiti, Bora Bora, and others.This brings the total number of cases to 1,158 since the beginning of the epidemic. No deaths have been reported. [[1]]- COVID-19: The number of active COVID-19 cases is rising, with 59 active cases reported in Niue, including five new cases. [[2]]
- Niue:
- COVID-19: Niue is experiencing its second COVID-19 outbreak as November 2022. As of 7 February 2025, there are 99 reported cases, with the outbreak attributed to funerals, public gatherings, and new cases arriving via plane.[[3]]
- New Caledonia:
– Influenza: New Caledonia is experiencing an unusual influenza outbreak since December 2024, with 188 confirmed cases reported between 04 November 2024 and 31 January 2025. The outbreak is predominantly influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2), with a few cases of influenza B. the red alert for influenza has been updated to a red alert for Influenza A due to the current dominance of influenza A.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Updates
Table of Contents
New Caledonia:
- Total Cases As April 2024: 204 cases reported out of 1,331 samples tested.
- Recent Cases: Two new cases reported since 04 February 2025.
- 2025 Cases: 33 new cases reported in January 2025.
- Most Recent Case: Reported on 04 January 2025.
- Alert Status: The blue alert is maintained.
- Source: Coqueluche | Direction des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales de Nouvelle-Calédonie accessed on 11 February 2025.
New Zealand:
- EpiWeek 05 (ending january 31, 2025): Weekly pertussis cases increased to 123 from 106 in EpiWeek 04.
- Total Reported Cases in January 2025: 464 cases.
- Alert Status: The blue alert is maintained.
- Source: Pertussis dashboard accessed on 11 February 2025.
Other Details: Measles
Vietnam:
- Measles Outbreak Risk: WHO assessed Vietnam’s measles outbreak risk as very high.
- Recommendations: Large-scale vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas and catch-up vaccinations for children who missed doses due to COVID-19.
- 2024 Statistics:
– suspected Cases: Over 45,550.
– Confirmed Infections: 7,583.
– Deaths: 16.- Affected Group: Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children, particularly infants under nine months.
- Source: WHO warns of measles surge in viet Nam accessed on 11 February 2025.
This summary provides a concise overview of the current status of pertussis and measles in New Caledonia, New Zealand, and Vietnam as of February 2025.
WHO Warns of Measles Surge in Việt Nam
In a concerning progress, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about a important surge in measles cases in Việt Nam. The outbreak has raised alarms across the country, prompting urgent calls to action from health authorities.
A Sharp Increase in Cases
Data from the Ministry of Health (MoH) reveals a stark rise in measles cases. According to the Department of Preventive Medicine, the number of measles cases has surged by over 800% as the beginning of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This alarming trend has continued unabated, with the number of cases rising even further in subsequent months.
In November alone, Việt Nam witnessed a sharp increase in suspected infections compared to 2023, with 7,159 fresh cases reported, including one death. This marks a 42-fold increase over the same period last year, underscoring the severity of the current outbreak [2[2[2[2].
Ministry’s Response
The ministry of Health has urged local authorities to intensify their efforts to monitor and manage the disease. The MoH has called for prompt vaccination campaigns to curb the spread of measles. The ministry’s data shows that Việt Nam has recorded 6,725 cases of measles since the beginning of 2024, a 130-fold increase over 2023 [3[3[3[3].
The Human Cost
The surge in measles cases has taken a toll on public health. The disease claimed four lives over the past 11 months, highlighting the need for immediate and effective interventions. The WHO’s warning comes as a call to action for health authorities to step up their efforts in vaccination and disease management.
Summary of Key Points
Here is a summary of the key points regarding the measles surge in Việt Nam:
| Year | Measles Cases Increase Factor | Deaths |
|—————|——————————|——–|
| 2024 vs. 2023 | Over 800% | 4 |
| November 2023 | 42-fold | 1 |
| 2024 Total | 130-fold | |
Conclusion
The measles surge in Việt Nam is a grave concern that requires immediate attention. Health authorities must act swiftly to implement vaccination campaigns and enhance disease monitoring to control the outbreak.The public is urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities.
For more information and updates, visit the Ministry of Health and WHO websites.
Stay informed and stay safe.
Editor’s Interview with Dr. bjorn Lundberg on COUNTRIES’ Health Crisis
Vietnam’s Measles Surge
Editor: Dr. Lundberg, can you tell our readers what’s causing the alarming increase in measles cases in vietnam?
Dr. Lundberg: Certainly. The surge in measles cases in Vietnam is predominantly attributed to a significant drop in vaccination rates, partly due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there has been a mix of misinformation and vaccine hesitancy that has contributed to the problem.
Editor: How severe is the outbreak in comparison to previous years?
Dr. Lundberg: The outbreak is unprecedentedly severe. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of measles cases has surged by over 800% since the beginning of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. in November alone, vietnam witnessed 7,159 fresh cases, marking a 42-fold increase over the same period last year.
Editor: What steps are authorities taking to contain the outbreak?
Dr. Lundberg: The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines and requested local authorities to intensify outbreak control measures. They are promoting large-scale vaccination campaigns and catching up on missed vaccinations among children. However, the implementation has faced challenges, especially in rural and remote areas.
Editor: Can you elaborate on the human cost of the outbreak?
Dr. Lundberg: Sadly,the outbreak has claimed four lives over the past 11 months. The mortality rate might seem low, but measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to severe complications, especially in young children and those with compromised immune systems.
Editor: What is the WHO’s role in this crisis?
Dr. Lundberg: The WHO is playing a critical role by issuing warnings and guiding international efforts to support Vietnam. This incorporates supplying vaccines and reinforcing healthcare capacity for better disease surveillance and management.
New Zealand’s Pertussis Surge
Editor: Shifting focus, let’s discuss the recent pertussis (whooping cough) cases in new Zealand. What’s your assessment of the situation there?
Dr. Lundberg: New Zealand is also facing a resurgence of pertussis. The recent EpiWeek 05 data shows an increase in cases from 106 to 123, indicating growing concern. This marks a Liz}$. Keep an eye on their recommended vaccination schedules and community health education programs.
Summary of Key Points
Editor: What can readers do to protect themselves and their community?
Dr.Lundberg: The most effective way to prevent measles and pertussis is through vaccination.Individuals should ensure they and their family members are up to date on their vaccinations. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices and seeking prompt medical care if symptoms appear can definitely help mitigate the spread of these diseases.
Editor: Dr. Lundberg, what message do you have for policymakers and health authorities?
Dr. Lundberg: I would urge them to prioritize and scale up vaccination campaigns, particularly in areas with high outbreak risks. Enhanced surveillance and emergency preparedness are also crucial for timely intervention. Community education and addressing vaccine hesitancy should be integrated into public health strategies.
Conclusion
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lundberg, for providing these insights.
Dr. lundberg: Thank you. It’s crucial for the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions. by working together, we can curb these severe health outbreaks and safeguard our communities.
For more information and updates, visit the ministry of Health and WHO websites.
Stay informed and stay safe.
