The Vanuatu Ministry of Health is actively addressing a rise in suspected Pertussis (Whooping Cough) cases on Tanna Island, with eight cases reported between 6th and 30th July 2025. Most involve children aged 1 month to 4 years, and lab tests are underway for confirmation.

Health officials warn that unimmunized children and infants under 1 year are at the highest risk of serious illness. Parents are urged to keep up with routine childhood vaccinations at their nearest clinics.

The Tafea Public Health Team has launched a coordinated response including:

• Community outreach to find new cases and raise awareness
• Catch-up immunizations in hotspot areas for children under 5
• Health promotion to inform the public
• Increased surveillance at health centers
• Monitoring of events like PSC Day and the National Arts Festival
• Treatment for suspected cases, especially infants under pediatric care

The Ministry urges all citizens to take preventive steps, especially during the cooler months, to protect against respiratory illnesses.