The Ministry of Health is urging public to remain vigilant as dengue cases continue to rise across the Pacific region, with health authorities closely monitoring a recent increase in local cases on Efate.
Although no dengue outbreak has been declared in Vanuatu, officials say the country remains at risk due to active outbreaks and ongoing transmission in neighboring Pacific nations, combined with regular regional travel.
From EpiWeek 01 to EpiWeek 19 this year, eight dengue cases have been recorded in Vanuatu, mainly on Efate. According to the Ministry of Health, 88 percent of the cases were reported from the Pango Area Council, while the remaining cases were detected in Port Vila.
Health investigations revealed that some of the infections are epidemiologically linked, while several patients had recently travelled to Fiji within the dengue incubation period. This raised concerns about imported infections and possible local transmission.
The Ministry said most of the reported cases involved women, with the majority aged over 26 years old. However, No hospitalizations or deaths have been reported.
The warning comes as several Pacific Island countries battle worsening dengue situations.
New Caledonia is currently facing a major dengue outbreak with more than 1,700 cases and 53 hospitalizations reported since January. Samoa continues to record widespread transmission involving multiple dengue virus strains, while Tonga remains under an active outbreak declared in April this year. Wallis and Futuna are also reporting localized transmission.
Health officials say the regional spread highlights the growing risk for Vanuatu, especially with frequent travel between Pacific countries.
Dengue is spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, which is common throughout tropical regions including Vanuatu.
The Ministry noted that the Wolbachia mosquito program introduced in Port Vila has successfully reduced the ability of many mosquitoes to spread dengue. However, officials now suspect another mosquito species — Aedes albopictus — could also be contributing to transmission.
Symptoms of dengue usually appear between four and ten days after a mosquito bite and include fever, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and rash.
Health authorities are also warning the public to watch for severe symptoms such as intense stomach pain, repeated vomiting, or bleeding from the nose and gums, which require immediate medical attention.
While there is no specific cure for dengue, doctors advise patients to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use Paracetamol for fever and pain relief. The Ministry strongly warns against taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
The Ministry of Health is continuing surveillance, case investigations, mosquito control activities, and community awareness campaigns while calling on communities, schools, churches, and businesses to help eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Officials stress that preventing dengue will require collective action from the public before transmission increases further.
