AUTHORITIES in New Caledonia have reported a sharp rise in dengue fever cases, with more than 640 probable and confirmed infections recorded since the start of 2026.
Weekly case counts have been climbing steadily since February, with particularly high numbers during epidemiological weeks 11 to 13, signalling sustained community transmission across the French overseas territory. The epidemic phase, first declared in late March, remains active.
Officials note that transmission is most intense outside the Greater Nouméa area, where the virus has spread more rapidly. By contrast, case numbers within Greater Nouméa—including Dumbéa, Mont-Dore, Nouméa, and Païta—have remained comparatively lower and more stable.
Local authorities attribute this to the ongoing release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes through the World Mosquito Programme. This has significantly reduced the ability of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to transmit the dengue virus in treated urban zones.
A red alert has been issued for the DENV-1 serotype, urging heightened vigilance and preventive measures across the territory. No dengue vaccination campaign is currently part of New Caledonia’s public health response. Although the Qdenga dengue vaccine is authorised in the European Union, including France—and available in many countries—it is not routinely offered through the local Directorate of Health and Social Affairs.
Health authorities emphasise that preventing mosquito bites remains the most effective immediate defence against the disease. In 2025, approximately 60,000 travellers visited New Caledonia, which lies east of Brisbane, Australia.
As of April 11, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised travellers in risk areas to take usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites, noting that dengue vaccines are not available in the United States.
Source: New Caledonia Times
