Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):

Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19 testing, vaccination and reporting strategies across the Pacific region, the data reported might not reflect the true situation in a number of countries.

French Polynesia: In Week 49, a total of 133 new cases were detected out of 359 tests conducted. The number of confirmed cases identified, and the positivity rate (37%) decreased, although this does not confirm a decline in the epidemic. Biological diagnosis is no longer carried out systematically, and the number of cases is probably underestimated. The number of new admissions remained stable overall in Week 49, with 12 people hospitalized, including 2 in ICU. No deaths have been reported. The red alert is maintained– Source: Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française n°47-2023 posted on PacNet on 16 December 2023.

Dengue

Tokelau: On December 9, four individuals with Dengue-like symptoms were observed at the hospital, followed by six more people with similar symptoms the next day. In total, 21 individuals displaying Dengue-like symptoms were seen at the hospital between 9 to 14 December. Two suspected cases were tested using a rapid test, both yielding positive results for Dengue. Due to a lack of available rapid tests to assess all suspected cases, the situation is being treated as Dengue on Atafu, with a total of 57 suspected cases reported until 5 pm December 14. As a result, a red alert is added. – Source: Tokelau 2023 Dengue Outbreak in Atafu situation report published on 18 December 2023.

Influenza A & B

Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands (CNMI): The number of ILI cases decreased from 40 cases in EW48 to 37 cases in EW49. Overall, ILI cases have decreased by 17% in EW49 compared to the previous three Epi Weeks. Out of the thirty-seven ILI cases, 24 are as follows: one COVID-19, two Flu A, one Flu A + RSV, one Flu A & B, one Flu B, one Pneumonia, one RSV, 7 Streptococcus, 9 Upper Respiratory Infection. Cases reported are still above the three-year average, and as a result, the blue alert is maintained. **– Source: CNMI Weekly Surveillance Report 2023 – Epi Week 49 posted on PacNet on 15 December 2023

Other information:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

New Zealand: As of midnight Sunday, there are 354 cases in the hospital, with 6 in ICU, and a total of 3,623 deaths attributed to COVID-19, including 4 new deaths reported. In the past week, there were 7,417 new cases, including 4,144 reinfections and 47 cases of reinfections within 90 days. The public is urged to prioritize Covid-19 booster shots as the country faces challenges with the rising JN.1 variant and depleting stocks of the antiviral medication Paxlovid.– Source: COVID-19: Current cases – Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand accessed on 19 December 2023.

Philippines: The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines attributed a slight increase in Covid-19 cases to the holiday season, citing gatherings among friends and families. The DOH reported a 36% weekly increase in cases, with 13 out of 1,821 cases in the week of December 5 to 11 categorized as severe or critical. Herbosa clarified that stricter masking measures in some hospitals are for visitor protection rather than a mandatory requirement for the general public. – Source: DOH: Slight uptick in Covid-19 cases due to holidays | Philippine News Agency (pna.gov.ph) accessed on 19 December 2023.

Samoa: The Ministry of Health in Samoa reports an increase in COVID-19 cases, with 41 new positive cases recorded through PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests (R.A.T.) at fixed sites. The positivity rate has risen from 4.68% to 6.14% in a week, bringing the cumulative total of Covid-19 cases to 16,884, while deaths since March 22 last year remain at 31. The Ministry encourages the eligible population, especially those at high risk, to receive booster doses and emphasizes the importance of preventive measures. – Source: Samoa Syndromic Surveillance & COVID-19 Update Epiweek 49 published on 19 December 2023.

Diarrhoea

Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI): In Week 49, the number of cases of watery diarrhea presented at health facilities increased from 28 in Week 48 to 37 cases. No testing was conducted to confirm the etiology. The majority of reported cases exceeded their respective alert thresholds and were from Jang, Maloelap, Kaven, and Maloelap. - Source: RMI communicable disease weekly report for week 49 published on 16 December 2023.

Tonga: In Week 49, sentinel sites in Tonga reported a 31% increase in the number of cases, with the majority coming from Vaiola Hospital, followed by Kolonga Health Centre. Most cases involve individuals aged 5 years and above.– Source: Ministry of Health Weekly Communicable Diseases Syndromic Surveillance Epidemic week 49 report published on 18 December 2023.

Influenza A

French Polynesia: As of Week 49, 11 new cases have been identified. Among these, four cases were hospitalized— one under 10 years old, three cases aged 45 and over. One case was admitted to the ICU. Flu activity has increased this week. Additionally, since Week 41, samples taken at the CHPF have been detecting the circulation of the RSV virus in patients with respiratory infections. – Source: Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française n°47-2023 posted on pacnet on 16 December 2023.

Mass gathering

Pacific Games 2023: The enhanced surveillance system in place for the Pacific Games, has produced a total of 31 daily situational reports from the 17 November to the 17 December, 2 weeks post-games. The report 31 posted on 18 December was the final daily situational report for the XVII Sol2023 Pacific Games. The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health is currently working on a summary report covering the date from 17/11 to 17/12.