All cases were locally acquired, with no epidemiological links identified, and all patients are currently stable, including one discharged and two managed under home care.

In the context of the ongoing wet season, the risk of further transmission remains high due to favorable mosquito breeding conditions.

Public health authorities have strengthened case investigation, vector control, active surveillance, and community engagement, and the public is encouraged to eliminate standing water and seek early care if symptoms develop.

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Epidemiologic investigation identified a link to a childcare setting, confirming the first pertussis outbreak in Guam.

DPHSS is actively implementing public health response measures, including continued case investigation, contact tracing, and coordination with the affected facility to limit further transmission. DPHSS continues to monitor respiratory illness trends locally, nationally, and regionally.

DPHSS continues to encourage parents to protect their infants and young children by minimizing exposure (close contact) to persons who have cold symptoms or cough illness.

DPHSS advises the community to take the following preventative measures: • Get Vaccinated o People of all ages need the pertussis or whooping cough vaccines ▪ DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) vaccination for infants and young children. ▪ Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccination for adolescents and adults, including pregnant women during the 27-36th week of each pregnancy.

The outbreak, first detected in late January, continues to disproportionately affect young children, with 72% of cases occurring among children under five years of age (age range: 4 days to 57 years), and a high proportion of cases (83%) requiring hospitalization.

Two deaths have been reported to date, both among hospitalised pediatric cases.

Cases remain geographically dispersed across the state, particularly in Kitti and Sokehs.

Laboratory investigations confirm ongoing norovirus transmission with co‑detection of other gastrointestinal pathogens.

Norovirus: Some interesting things we’re learning about the ‘Perfect Pathogen’

Norovirus is a very contagious virus. You can get norovirus from an infected person, from contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed (acute gastroenteritis). This leads you to have stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea and to throw up.

As of Wednesday, there have been four cases of respiratory diphtheria (3 in Darwin, 1 in Alice Springs) notified in the last week and 33 cases of cutaneous diphtheria notified since 2025.

"This is unusual, we haven't had an outbreak in my 26 years in the Northern Territory," NT Health Chief Health Officer Paul Burgess said.

Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Corynebacerium diphtheria.

It is spread person to person by inhaling respiratory droplets and less commonly by direct skin contact of lesions of infected people.

The most serious infections are caused by a toxin produced by some types of the bacteria.

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Respiratory diphtheria can include a sore throat and fever, and an adherent grey pseudomembrane that can cover the tonsils and mucosa of the pharynx, larynx, and nose. Enlarged anterior cervical lymph nodes and oedema of the surrounding soft tissue can cause a characteristic ‘bull-neck’ appearance. Untreated, respiratory diphtheria can be life-threatening.

Cutaneous diphtheria presents as chronic, nonhealing sores or shallow ulcers which may have a grey membrane.

Diphtheria vaccination protects against the disease and is very effective. It gives protection against disease by production of antibodies to the diphtheria toxin. Ensure children, adolescents and adults are up to date with appropriate DTPa or dTpa vaccination

There has been six confirmed cases reported since January, including five cases identified in March. The outbreak has shown signs of increased severity, with two patients requiring intensive care and one fatality reported, prompting health authorities to officially declare an outbreak to facilitate resource mobilisation and strengthen clinician awareness for timely testing and treatment.

The Department of Health continues to emphasise early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment, alongside public risk‑reduction measures, particularly following heavy rainfall and flooding, while aiming to raise awareness without causing undue public alarm.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases on the island to six in 2026.

Health officials report the case investigation revealed that both recently confirmed cases were the result of direct contact with each other.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a vaccine-preventable disease. DPHSS is encouraging the public to ensure they are up to date with their vaccines. It is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. It can cause severe coughing fits (up to 10 weeks or more), followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when breathing in. Vomiting and exhaustion may also follow. Pertussis can lead to serious complications, especially in infants, such as pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, and brain damage. Some infants may not cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) or struggle to breathe.

During EpiWeek 10 (02–08 March 2026), 187 new cases were notified, representing a 7% decrease compared with the previous week, alongside 10 new hospital admissions, with no new ICU admissions or dengue‑related deaths reported during the week.

Transmission remains widespread, with 64% of cases reported from Upolu and 36% from Savaii, and children under 15 years accounting for 74% of all cases.

Two thirds of the cases have been serotyped as DENV-1, while one third are typed as DENV-2.

The number of deaths has risen to nine.

An outbreak is declared over when no new laboratory confirmed cases are detected within two incubation periods of the disease (one incubation period is 14 days). Therefore, a total of 28 days without any new laboratory confirmed cases is required to declare an outbreak over.

Since the beginning of the year through March 11, health officials have reported 236 cases, including 25 in just the last week.

205 of the cases are classified as confirmed locally-acquired, 27 as probable local transmission, 3 confirmed imported and 1 clinical case. DENV‑1 is the predominant serotype among locally acquired cases.

The mean age of cases is approximately 27 years, with a slight female predominance. Ten cases have required hospitalization. Most patients have since been discharged, with one patient remaining hospitalized.

A total of 23 municipalities have reported cases, with an overall incidence rate of 66 per 100,000 inhabitants. The highest incidence rates have been observed in Thio, Pouébo, Poya, Ouégoa, and Hienghène, indicating significant transmission in the northern and eastern parts of the territory.

Health authorities continue enhanced surveillance, vector control activities, and public health messaging, particularly during the current hot and rainy season, which is conducive to mosquito proliferation.

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes ( Aedes aegypti ). It can cause high fever, headaches, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and sometimes nausea or a skin rash. In some cases, it can develop into a severe form: it is important to seek medical help quickly.

To limit the risk of dengue, everyone’s vigilance is essential : the goal is to reduce mosquitoes around your home and avoid bites.

3 simple steps to protect yourself

1. Empty containers after each rainfall : saucers, buckets, old tires… and remove any litter around the house.
   No standing water = fewer mosquitoes.

2. Protect yourself from bites : use repellents (sprays, creams), wear long, light-colored clothing , and sleep under a mosquito net .

3. Consult a doctor at the slightest doubt : high fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, extreme fatigue.

Since the middle of last year, the total number of hospitalised cases has increased to 67 and the cumulative total has increased to 807 cases (777 clinically diagnosed and 30 laboratory confirmed).

No new deaths were reported during this period. The cumulative number of pertussis-associated deaths remains at 7, including six deaths in Tanna and one in Shefa.

Pertussis activity in 2026 continues to show an overall declining trend compared with the peak observed in late 2025.

The sex distribution remains approximately equal, with similar proportions among males and females and no consistent sex predominance across age groups.

Cases continue to be reported across all age groups, with the highest proportions among children aged 1–9 years. A substantial proportion of cases occurred among infants <1 year, while relatively few cases were reported among individuals aged 10 years and above.

Geographically, pertussis remains concentrated in Efate (~54%) and Tanna (~38%), which together account for the majority of reported cases. A smaller cluster has been observed in Futuna (~8%), and one case from Erromango.

While case numbers continue to decline, they remain above the outbreak threshold, indicating that although transmission is decreasing, the outbreak is still ongoing.

No deaths have been reported, and two hospitalized patients have fully recovered.

The public is advised to avoid high‑risk reef fish, follow guidance from fisheries authorities, and seek medical care if symptoms occur, while health authorities continue routine monitoring through syndromic and notifiable disease surveillance systems, with efforts ongoing to address potential under‑reporting and ensure data quality.

More than 400 species of fish, including barracuda, black grouper, blackfin snapper, cubera snapper, dog snapper, greater amberjack, hogfish, horse-eye jack, king mackerel, and yellowfin grouper have been implicated in this food borne illness that’s relatively common in several areas of the world.

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This toxin is the result of the accumulation of marine algae and the toxins they produce passing up the food chain. These marine algae hang on to dead coral and seaweed. They are then eaten by herbivore fish which are subsequently eaten by predatory reef fish which concentrates the toxin in its tissue. People get this food borne toxin from eating these contaminated larger fish. The reef fishes are more likely to get contaminated during storms and other turbulence.

After eating the affected fish (the fish does not get sick from the toxin and actually tastes good) in as little as a couple of hours symptoms may appear. Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting tend to appear early. Then a feeling of weakness and hypertension may occur in addition to complaints of intense itching.

Some mild to severe neurological symptoms are common with ciguatera; dizziness, impaired coordination, blurred vision and even coma may be seen in severe cases.

An unusual characteristic that is common in ciguatera is temperature reversal. This may be seen from 2 to 5 days after eating the fish. Hot objects seem cold and cold objects can give a shock-like sensation. There have been serious injuries because a person was unable to recognize extremely hot sensations. Other odd symptoms are food may taste metallic and teeth may seem painful or loose.

The gastrointestinal symptoms usually resolve in a couple days; however neurological symptoms may last for months or years. Symptoms may come back after ingesting certain foods and drinks; alcohol, caffeine, nuts and fish.

The outbreak was initially identified following the detection of two positive cases reported by the laboratory on February 20, 2026.

Of the confirmed cases, four children have required hospitalisation at the paediatric unit. The age group most affected is children under five years of age, with cases ranging from 5 months to 53 years overall.

Cases have been reported primarily from South Tarawa and Betio, including Banraeaba, Bikenibeu, Eita, Temaiku and Betio. Public health response measures are ongoing and include case investigation and contact tracing, community awareness activities led by the Health Promotion Unit, and continued laboratory confirmation of suspected cases.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children globally. It is transmitted through the oral-fecal route, directly from person to person, or indirectly through contaminated objects. People that are infected experience an abrupt onset of fever and vomiting followed by explosive, watery diarrhoea. Rotavirus diarrhoea is profuse, often leading to dehydration which can be severe, requiring hospitalization. The cornerstones of treatment of severe rotavirus diarrhoea are fluid replacement and zinc supplementation.

Vaccines against rotavirus are available and vaccination is an important measure to reduce severe rotavirus-associated diarrhoea and mortality.

So far in 2026, 23 laboratory‑confirmed cases of leptospirosis have been reported in French Polynesia since the beginning of the year. The increase in cases has been linked to recent heavy rainfall, with several patients presenting severe forms of disease.

Among reported cases, 21 individuals required hospitalisation, including nine admissions to intensive care, and one death has been recorded.

Leptospirosis has affected primarily men with a median age of 43 years, frequently reporting skin wounds and recent exposure to wet or flooded environments potentially contaminated by animal urine.

Health authorities have reinforced vigilance during the rainy season and emphasise the importance of early clinical recognition and prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent severe outcomes.

All cases have been investigated through active field surveillance, household assessments, and stool sample testing, with contacts remaining asymptomatic and under close follow‑up.

In response, the Ministry of Health has implemented Hofoa‑specific restrictions from 27 January to 27 March 2026, including a ban on all food‑related gatherings and kava events, alongside intensified sanitation checks and water safety measures.

Typhoid fever is a serious disease caused by Salmonella Typhi (Typhi) bacteria. The bacteria spread through contaminated food and water and person-to-person contact.

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Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, constipation or diarrhea, cough, and loss of appetite. Typhoid fever can be fatal without appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Typhoid risk is higher in populations that lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation, and children are at highest risk.

Typhoid fever is common in places with poor sanitation and a lack of safe drinking water. Access to safe water and adequate sanitation, hygiene among food handlers and typhoid vaccination are all effective in preventing typhoid fever.

The public is advised to remain calm and continue practising good hygiene and food safety, including drinking safe or boiled water and washing hands regularly.

From 1 January 2025 to 1 February 2026, a total of 16,842 dengue cases have been confirmed across Samoa. During the period 26 January to 2 February 2026, there were 56 new cases reported, with 11 new hospital admissions. These patients are being carefully monitored, and none are in the intensive care unit.

Although admissions were low in previous months, since January 2026 there has been an increase in people presenting with dengue-like symptoms at health facilities. While hospital admissions were previously few, the Dengue virus remains active, and it is important for everyone to continue practicing preventive measures. Health monitoring is ongoing, with higher concentrations of cases recently observed in North West Upolu, particularly Vaimauga to Sagaga, and in Savaii, mostly in Faasaleleaga and PalauIi districts. However, dengue is endemic in Samoa and is spread by mosquitoes, which can breed anywhere. Therefore, all communities are encouraged to take precautions.

The main way to prevent dengue is to reduce mosquito breeding sites around homes and communities. Families are encouraged to regularly clean their surroundings, cover or empty containers holding water, and remove any standing water where mosquitoes can breed. With children back in school, parents and teachers are encouraged to organize regular clean-ups, and children should use mosquito repellents or protective clothing when possible. Families are also encouraged to use mosquito nets at home, especially for young children and the elderly.

We are currently experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds, which create more places for mosquitoes to breed. The public is reminded to be patient and persistent with cleaning and mosquito prevention measures during this season.

The aim of Ops Namu26 is to escalate the national response to the current dengue outbreak and to mobilize a coordinated, collective national effort.

The IMS was convened on Thursday 29 January 2026 following a significant increase in dengue cases on Rarotonga at the end of December 2025 and again at the end of January 2026, as well as the detection of dengue cases on Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke and Mangaia.

Secretary of Health, Mr Bob Williams, confirmed that on Sunday 2 February 2026, the Cook Islands recorded its first dengue-related death. The patient was a local elderly person with underlying medical conditions who presented late to hospital.

Mr Williams said this was a very unfortunate incident and Te Marae Ora extends its sincere condolences to the family. The Cook Islands declared a dengue outbreak in May 2025, and more than 500 cases have been re

corded there since.

As of yesterday, joint communications by Cook Islands Tourism and Te Marae Ora have been strengthened as the national response moves from general dengue awareness messaging to more visible and proactive prevention activities for residents and visitors. Messaging also reemphasises that the Cook Islands remains a safe destination for travellers.

Te Marae Ora Communications Teams will increase daily promotion of Ops Namu26 activities on Rarotonga and across the Pa Enua through multiple media platforms and radio programmes.

The tourism industry has joined the national response by supporting visitors with dengue prevention items and by taking responsibility for spraying within their own premises, under the guidance of Te Marae Ora.

The Rarotonga Puna communities have also strengthened their support for Ops Namu26. Nikao Puna has committed to weekly block spraying, which commenced yesterday, and will respond to household requests for spraying. Titikaveka Puna was sprayed this morning and, similar to Nikao, will continue spraying for the remainder of the month. Other Puna on Rarotonga will begin their scheduled support from next week.

Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke and Mangaia have also increased spraying and surveillance activities in partnership with their respective Island Governments and communities.

From today, the Cook Islands Red Cross will work alongside Te Marae Ora to distribute dengue prevention packs to families with positive dengue cases on both Rarotonga and the Pa Enua.

Te Marae Ora also acknowledges Air Rarotonga for its support as part of the national response to further protect the Pa Enua. Repellent spraying stations have been established at the international arrivals area and the domestic departures area, and temperature screening for international arrivals has been intensified.

The Minister of Health, Hon. Vainetutai Rose Toki Brown, acknowledged Te Marae Ora, the IMS team and the Pa Enua for demonstrating the true Cook Islands spirit of collaboration, and reaffirmed the Government’s ongoing commitment to the national dengue response.

A briefing for Ops Namu26 team leaders will be held on Tuesday 10 February 2026 at the Ministry of Cultural Development (MOCD) Dome for Rarotonga participants, with a Zoom briefing for the Pa Enua. The briefing will outline roles and responsibilities for all personnel involved in the operation.

Ops Namu26 will be implemented in three phases over the next 30 days, and up to a period of two months:

Phase 1: Island-wide clean-up on Friday 13 February 2026 for Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke and Mangaia.

Phase 2: Increased and planned spraying and expanded coverage for up to two months.

Phase 3: Continued community clean-up activities and the Tutaka programme through April 2026.

Both patients are in stable condition, and contact tracing and investigations are ongoing.

The diagnosis of the two confirmed cases were made through positive blood cultures last week.

Case investigation and contact tracing alongside stool sample collection are undertaken to help ascertain the source of infection.

All contacts have no symptoms and have been put under surveillance with health advice.

At present, the evidence suggests a domestic cluster of infection possibly with intra-familial transmission. This is still under investigation.

Typhoid fever is a serious disease caused by Salmonella Typhi (Typhi) bacteria. The bacteria spread through contaminated food and water and person-to-person contact.

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Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, constipation or diarrhea, cough, and loss of appetite. Typhoid fever can be fatal without appropriate antibiotic treatment.

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Typhoid risk is higher in populations that lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation, and children are at highest risk.

Typhoid fever is common in places with poor sanitation and a lack of safe drinking water. Access to safe water and adequate sanitation, hygiene among food handlers and typhoid vaccination are all effective in preventing typhoid fever.

The public is advised to remain calm and continue practising good hygiene and food safety, including drinking safe or boiled water and washing hands regularly.

Outbreak News Today is a free news source. However, if you like the work I do at this website and find it valuable, please consider a paid subscription for as little as $5/month. It would be appreciated.

Guam reported at least seven pertussis cases in 2025.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory illness. Early symptoms of whooping cough appear similar to the common cold and usually include runny or stuffy nose, low-grade fever; and a mild, occasional cough. About 1-2 weeks after the first symptoms start, people may develop coughing fits, which can last for several weeks. These coughing fits can cause individuals to make a high-pitched “whoop” when they inhale after a coughing fit, vomit during or after each fit, feel tired, have difficulty sleeping, struggle to breathe, or fracture a rib.

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“Babies younger than 1-year old are at greatest risk for whooping cough and having severe complications, such as pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, and brain damage,” said DPHSS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Leon Guerrero. “Some infants may not cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea or struggle to breathe. Individuals with immunocompromising conditions or moderate to severe medically treated asthma are also at high-risk for developing a severe infection. It is important to note that vaccination is effective in preventing pertussis.”

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Children under 15 years account for 74% of the cases, and the circulating serotypes remain predominantly DENV-1 (91%) and DENV-2 (9%).

The Ministry of Health continues its control measures combined with targeted sensitization of the community and government leaders, and ongoing district and multimedia awareness integrating dengue and measles messaging.

The public are recommended to promote environmental clean‑ups to reduce mosquito breeding, use protective clothing, nets and repellents to prevent bites, and if illness occurs, to promptly seek medical care while monitoring household members for symptoms and testing.

Outbreak News Today is a free news source. However, if you like the work I do at this website and find it valuable, please consider a paid subscription for as little as $5/month. It would be appreciated.

People who have received this vaccine while in India may be impacted and may not be fully protected against rabies and are recommended to receive replacement doses with a rabies vaccine registered in Australia.

This alert also applies to an administered vaccine brand that is unknown.

Health officials recommend:

• Anyone who has received one or more doses of Abhayrab^®, or an unknown rabies vaccine brand, in India from 1 November 2023 onwards are advised to see their GP or healthcare provider. You may be recommended to receive replacement vaccine doses.

Rabies travel notice for India: Human case in US traveler, counterfeit vaccines

General advice for people visiting countries where rabies occurs:

• Speak to your GP, travel health clinic or immunisation provider about recommended vaccines for travel.

• Avoid contact with wild and domestic animals when visiting countries where rabies occurs. If bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of an animal, seek immediate medical care.

• Keep detailed records of any vaccines received while overseas, including the dates received, product names and batch numbers. Take a photo of the packaging and label if possible.

• Upon returning to Australia, discuss if any additional vaccine doses are needed with your GP.

According to the Victoria Department of Health:

Rabies is a rare but highly fatal disease that affects the central nervous system. It is caused by the rabies virus, and it spreads to people from infected animals. It does not occur in Australia but is found in many parts of the world, including India. Symptoms of rabies can occur within days or up to several years after exposure. Immediate wound care and post-exposure prophylaxis with rabies vaccine +/- rabies immunoglobulin prevent against disease following exposure to infected animals.

The Ministry stresses that “although current leptospirosis case reports may be low, it is still a deadly disease and therefore the need for public awareness and prevention measures.” The recent fatalities highlight the ongoing risk, especially after periods of heavy rain and flooding and with these weather conditions more cases are to be expected.

Leptospirosis is preventable and treatable if detected early. MHMS urges everyone to take precautions seriously and seek medical care immediately if unwell.