Attachments
Highlights/updates since the last map was sent on PacNet on 07 May 2024:
Dengue
-
French Polynesia: In EpiWeek 18, one dengue case was confirmed out of 55 samples tested (this case was reported as detected last week). No new cases were detected in EpiWeek 19. The total number of reported cases remains at 49. There were no deaths or hospitalisations reported during this period. The blue alert is maintained. -Source: Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française n°18 -2024 shared with PPHSN focal point on 08 May 2024.
-
Samoa: In EpiWeek 18, 44 new lab-confirmed dengue cases were reported, bringing the total to 342 since November 2023. No hospitalisations or deaths were reported during this period. The most affected age groups are children under 10 years old and adults over 60 years old. Serotype results are still pending. The red alert is maintained - Source: Samoa Ministry of Health Dengue Fever Outbreak Situation Report #10, EpiWeek 18 shared on PacNet on 14 May 2024.
Influenza A
- French Polynesia: In EpiWeek 18, there were 43 new confirmed cases of influenza out of 107 tests conducted, comprising 42 cases of Influenza A and 1 case of Influenza B. Among the reported cases, 22 were hospitalised, including two in the ICU, and one death occurred in a person aged over 60, bringing the total deaths between April and May 2024 to 3. Of the hospitalised cases, 10 were aged over 60 and 2 were aged below 4 years old. The positivity rate increased from 24.2% in EpiWeek 17 to 40.2% in EpiWeek 18. The red alert is maintained. - Source: Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française n°18 -2024 shared with PPHSN focal point on 08 May 2024.
Other Information:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
-
Australia, Victoria: On May 10, the Victoria Health department issued an alert due to increased COVID-19 activity, as evidenced by rising 7-day average hospitalisation figures (208), a 30% increase in notifications of influenza and RSV over the past fortnight and elevated detection of COVID-19 in wastewater indicating high levels of COVID-19 transmission- Source: Increase in COVID-19 activity | health.vic.gov.au accessed on 14 May 2024.
-
Hawai'i: From April 30 to May 6, data indicates a 5.4% average positivity rate and 41 average daily COVID-19 cases statewide, with an average of 31 hospitalisations and four patients in ICU beds daily, and no reported deaths. The 7-day average daily cases have increased in three countries: Hawaii, Honolulu, and Kauai, and are stable in Maui county. - Source: Disease Outbreak Control Division | COVID-19 | State of Hawai'i - Department of Health (hawaii.gov) accessed on 14 May 2024
-
New Zealand: In the past week, New Zealand reported 3,922 new COVID-19 cases and 13 additional deaths. As of midnight on Sunday 12 May, there were 152 COVID-19 cases in hospitals. The seven-day rolling average of cases increased to 477, with Canterbury recording the highest number of new cases followed by Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Auckland, and Capital and Coast. - Source: COVID-19: Current cases – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora accessed on 14 May 2024
-
Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Island (CNMI): In EpiWeek 18, a total of 14 COVID-19 cases were reported, an increase from 8 cases in EpiWeek 17. Overall, there was a 31% increase in the number of cases in EpiWeek 18 compared to the previous three epidemiological weeks. Additionally, one hospitalisation was reported during this period. - Source: CNMI Weekly Surveillance Report 2024 – EPI Week 17 shared to PPHSN focal point on 02 May 2024.
Dengue
- Tonga: In EpiWeek 17, the Tonga Health Department reported two dengue cases from Vaiola Hospital: a 22-year-old female tested positive for IgG, and a 25-year-old female tested positive for both IgM and IgG, with both results returning negative for NS1. No outbreak has been declared, but the situation is being closely monitored. - Source: Tonga Ministry of Health Communicable Diseases Syndromic Surveillance Epidemic week 17 (22/04/2024 - 28/04/2024) reported shared PPHSN focal point on 09 May 2024.
Influenza-like Illness
- Fiji: The Ministry of Health & Medical Services warns of a surge in flu-like illness, particularly in the Northern Division, with increased reports of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) in Cakaudrove, Bua, and Macuata health subdivisions. With the onset of the cooler and drier season, the Ministry anticipates a rise in respiratory illnesses, urging the public to adopt preventative measures such as practicing good respiratory hygiene and seeking medical attention for persistent or severe symptoms. - Source: MOH urging members of the public to take precautions on flu-like illness cases on the rise (fijivillage.com) accessed on 14 May 2024
Measles
- Australia, Victoria: On May 11, the Victorian Health Department issued a health alert following a new reported case of measles in a returned overseas traveller who visited sites in Melbourne while infectious from May 3 to May 9. Healthcare professionals are advised to be vigilant for measles symptoms, and individuals traveling overseas are recommended to take appropriate vaccination. - Source: Measles alert for metropolitan Melbourne | health.vic.gov.au accessed on 14 May 2024.