Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) cases in Vanuatu have increased to 112, showing a sustained rise across multiple islands and remaining above the alert threshold since mid-March 2026, according to a situation report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Vanuatu, published on 24 April 2026.

Between epidemiological weeks 15 and 16 of 2026 (06–19 April), 25 new cases were reported nationwide. No deaths or hospitalisations were recorded during this period, although five hospitalisations have been reported cumulatively since the outbreak began.

Males accounted for 61% of cases, while females made up 39%. The most affected age group remains young adults aged 15–34 years.

Cases have now been reported across nine islands, expanding from six earlier in the outbreak. Efate accounts for the majority of cases at 63%, likely reflecting both higher population density and stronger reporting capacity in the Port Vila area.

Most cases have been linked to consumption of locally caught fish, particularly unspecified reef fish, as well as species including snapper, barracuda, parrot fish, trevally, emperor-type fish, and others such as karosol fish and red fish. Smaller numbers of cases have also been associated with shellfish.

Ciguatera fish poisoning occurs when people consume reef fish contaminated with ciguatoxins produced by the dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus toxicus. These toxins accumulate in fish and are not destroyed by cooking, freezing, or preparation methods.

The report notes that case numbers have remained consistently above the alert threshold since epidemiological week 14, indicating ongoing transmission rather than decline. The expansion across nine islands suggests widespread environmental exposure rather than a localized outbreak.

With 112 cases recorded, the outbreak has already exceeded recent annual totals from previous surveillance periods, signalling a sustained elevation in risk.

Future trends will depend on environmental conditions that support toxin production, fishing and consumption patterns, and community adherence to public health advisories. Continued increases, spread to additional islands, or severe neurological cases would indicate further escalation.

The surveillance team has stated it will continue monitoring the situation closely and provide updates as required.