The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported that there is  pertussis (Whooping Cough) outbreak has been officially declared on Ambae Island, Penama Province, following the confirmation of four pertussis cases reported between Epidemiological Weeks (EW) 33 and 34, 2026.

The declaration follows the confirmation of four pertussis cases reported during Epidemiological Weeks 33 and 34 of 2026.

Three cases were reported in Week 33 and one case in Week 34.

The Ministry says the number of confirmed cases exceeded the national outbreak threshold of two epidemiologically linked cases within one week.

All reported cases received appropriate treatment and have been discharged home.

No hospitalisations or deaths have been reported to date.

Cases have been identified in both North Ambae and South Ambae Area Councils, indicating local transmission within the community.

The majority of cases were reported among children aged 12 to 23 months.