The Ministry of Health has officially declared a Rotavirus outbreak in Santo, after laboratory tests confirmed infections and health authorities recorded a rise in cases of acute watery diarrhoea.

Between 24 August and 20 September 2026, Sanma recorded 103 cases of acute watery diarrhoea.

Laboratory testing during Epidemiological Week 38 confirmed four cases of Rotavirus, leading the Ministry of Health to declare the outbreak.

Children under five years old are the most affected, with all confirmed Rotavirus cases reported among children under two years old.

Sanma is now the second province in Vanuatu to declare a Rotavirus outbreak in 2026, following Tafea, which declared an outbreak in August.

The Ministry of Health says Rotavirus and other causes of watery diarrhoea can spread through contaminated water, unsafe food and poor hygiene practices.

The Ministry is calling on communities to work together to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure children receive their routine immunisations, including the Rotavirus vaccine, which is given at six and 10 weeks of age.