Pacific Region Epidemic and Emerging Disease Alerts: June 10, 2025
A comprehensive report released by ReliefWeb on June 10, 2025, has highlighted several emerging disease alerts across the Pacific region. The report, which provides updates on various epidemics and disease outbreaks, has raised concerns over the increasing number of dengue fever cases in several countries.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks
According to the report, several Pacific nations are currently experiencing dengue fever outbreaks. In the Cook Islands, the Ministry of Health has officially declared a dengue fever outbreak in Rarotonga on May 22, 2025. As of May 30, 2025, a total of 17 confirmed cases have been reported, with six cases recorded in Tupapa. The outbreak is attributed to the co-circulation of Dengue Virus Type 1 (DENV-1) and Dengue Virus Type 2 (DENV-2). The Ministry of Health has urged the public to take precautions to prevent mosquito breeding sites and bites.
In Kiribati, the Ministry of Health has confirmed a dengue outbreak on April 24, 2025, after a significant rise in confirmed cases. As of June 9, 2025, a total of 96 dengue confirmed cases and 383 suspected dengue cases have been reported, with 42 cases admitted to hospital. The outbreak is also attributed to the co-circulation of DENV-1 and DENV-2.
In Samoa, the Ministry of Health has reported 211 lab-confirmed dengue cases in EpiWeek 22 (May 26-June 1, 2025), bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 211 and one reported death since the declaration of the outbreak on April 17, 2025. The majority of cases are from Upolu Island, with individuals under 20 years old being the most affected.
In Tonga, the Ministry of Health has reported eight new dengue cases, bringing the total confirmed cases to 845 since the declaration of the outbreak on February 19, 2025. Three dengue-related deaths have been reported to date, and two patients are currently hospitalized.
Pertussis/Whooping Cough
In New Zealand, the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has reported a decrease in pertussis cases, with 36 cases reported in the week ending on May 30, 2025, down from 50 cases in the previous week. A total of 1362 cases have been reported since the beginning of 2025, with 213 cases requiring hospitalization and one reported death.
Polio/Poliomyelitis
In Papua New Guinea, a national poliovirus outbreak was declared on May 15, 2025, following detections in Lae and Port Moresby. As of June 6, 2025, 48 cases of acute flaccid paralysis have been reported across 11 provinces, with 20 cases testing negative for poliovirus and 28 cases still under investigation.
Other Information
In Réunion Island, the ongoing chikungunya epidemic has been experiencing a decline since week 17 (April 21-27), but the virus’s circulation remains active. Since the beginning of the year, 195,800 consultations, 2,804 visits to the emergency room, 405 hospitalizations, and 20 deaths linked to chikungunya have been reported.
In Tuvalu, the Department of Health has issued a public health alert confirming the detection of dengue fever. The Ministry urges the public to take immediate precautions to prevent mosquito breeding sites and bites.
In Canada and the United States, measles cases continue to be reported, with 225 new cases reported in Canada and 1,168 cases reported in the United States as of June 5, 2025.
The ReliefWeb report highlights the need for continued vigilance and precautions to prevent the spread of these diseases. It is essential for individuals to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding sites and bites, such as eliminating standing water, using mosquito nets and repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and seeking medical attention if symptoms arise.
Sources:
- ReliefWeb: Epidemic and Emerging Disease Alerts – Pacific – 10 June 2025
- Exchange with country focal person
- Various country reports and situation reports shared with focal points.
