VANUATU’S National Surveillance Unit has reported two new cases of pertussis (whooping cough) requiring hospitalization over the past week, both on the island of Tanna.
According to the latest epidemiological update, the two patients, whose identities have not been released, have since been discharged from medical care.
The new admissions bring the total number of hospitalized cases to 67 since the outbreak began to escalate in the middle of last year. The cumulative number of reported cases now stands at 807, comprising 777 clinically diagnosed cases, and 30 cases confirmed by laboratory testing.
Officials confirmed that no new deaths were recorded during the latest reporting period. The cumulative death toll remains at seven, with six fatalities occurring in Tanna and one in the Shefa province.
Health authorities noted that while pertussis activity in 2026 continued to show an overall declining trend when compared to the peak observed in late 2025, transmission had not yet been brought under control.
“Case numbers continue to decline, but they remain above the outbreak threshold,” the report stated.
“This indicates that although transmission is decreasing, the outbreak is still ongoing.”
Data shows that cases are being reported across all age groups, with the highest proportion occurring among children aged one to nine years. A substantial number of cases have also been recorded among infants under one year of age, a demographic particularly vulnerable to severe complications. Conversely, only a few cases have been reported among individuals aged ten years and above.
Geographically, the outbreak remains heavily concentrated in two main areas. Efate accounts for the largest share of cases at approximately 54 per cent, followed by Tanna with roughly 38 per cent. A smaller cluster has been observed on the island of Futuna, representing about eight percent of cases, and one case has been reported from Erromango.
Health officials continue to encourage vaccination and early treatment for those who show symptoms.