Vanuatu Pertussis Outbreak: Situation Report #15 as of 16 March 2026

Country: Vanuatu Source: Pacific Community Please refer to the attached file. Below key highlights: No new pertussis cases were reported in Epiweek 10 of 2026. The cumulative total remains at 807 cases, comprising 777 clinically diagnosed and 30 laboratory‐confirmed cases. The cumulative number of pertussis‐associated deaths remains at seven, including six deaths in Tanna and one in Shefa. Overall pertussis activity in 2026 continues to show a declining trend compared with the peak observed in late 2025. Sex distribution remains approximately equal, with no consistent predominance across age groups. Cases have occurred across all age groups, with the highest burden among children aged 1–9 years; a substantial proportion of cases were also reported in infants under one year. Among cases with known vaccination status, 47% were unvaccinated, while 53% had received at least one dose of a pertussis‐containing vaccine. Geographically, cases remain concentrated in Efate (~54%) and Tanna (~38%), with smaller numbers reported in Futuna (~8%) and one case from Erromango. Although no cases were reported this week, enhanced monitoring will continue for an additional two weeks to ensure the outbreak has been fully controlled.

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