Attachments

The Pacific Island Countries are currently facing a rise in respiratory illnesses, including influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory illness (SARI), and COVID-19 cases. In a recent report for EPI-WK 36, 2024, it was noted that there has been an increase in ILI cases in countries like Fiji, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tokelau. Additionally, SARI cases have increased in Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Wallis & Futuna.

On the other hand, some countries have seen a decrease in ILI cases, such as Kiribati, FSM, Samoa, and Vanuatu. The number of SARI cases also decreased in Kiribati, CNMI, Samoa, and Vanuatu. No SARI cases were reported from several countries, and no COVID-19 cases were identified in others.

In terms of other respiratory viruses, CNMI reported new COVID-19 cases and influenza A cases, while Fiji identified cases of influenza A/H3. French Polynesia reported cases of acute respiratory infections and COVID-19.

Furthermore, there have been reports of pertussis cases in Australia, Guam, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia. Dengue cases have been reported in Fiji, FSM, and Solomon Islands. Leptospirosis cases have been reported in New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

Additionally, there have been reports of deaths of unknown causes in the Solomon Islands, as well as global events such as the monitoring of MPXV cases in Africa and the prequalification of a mpox vaccine by WHO.

Overall, the Pacific Island Countries are facing a variety of health challenges, and surveillance and timely actions are crucial to address these issues effectively.