Photo: RNZ / Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor
Vanuatu's Ministry of Health has reported 89 cases of whooping cough in the country.
These have been reported between 6 July and 26 August. Three babies have died.
Incidence controller Dr Samuel Tapo Posikai said in a statement that laboratory testing conducted in Australia has confirmed seven out of eight samples positive for Bordetella pertussis, "validating the outbreak".
Almost all cases have been reported from Tanna Island in Tafea Province, with one from Shefa Province.
The first case in Shefa Province was an 11-month-old baby, admitted last Saturday at the Vanuatu National Hospital with all the clinical signs of pertussis.
"The 11-month-old infant had missed the 10-week immunization, as per the national immunization schedule, highlighting both the potential geographic expansion of the outbreak and the heightened risk for under-immunized populations," the statement said.
"All confirmed cases involve unvaccinated children under five years of age, or those who have not completed their scheduled vaccinations."
The Ministry is urging all families, especially those with children under five, to visit their nearest health facility for immediate catch-up and routine vaccinations; and to seek medical attention immediately if there are signs of persistent cough, fever, or breathing difficulties.
"Unvaccinated children are at highest risk. Parents must act now to protect their children and communities."
At Vanuatu National Hospital, a flu clinic has been set up in the children's outpatient area for those showing signs and symptoms consistent with pertussis, and an isolation ward has been set up for admissions.
Travelers returning from Tanna are advised to monitor their health.
New Zealand declared a whooping cough epidemic in November 2024, and a baby died over the Christmas period that year.
According to the latest report from the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science, a total of 2933 confirmed, probable and suspect cases of pertussis were notified from the beginning of the epidemic on 19 October 2024 up to 22 August 2025.
