The Ministry of Health has declared a watery diarrhoea outbreak in five communities in TAFEA Province, with 81 suspected cases recorded over the past three weeks.

TAFEA Provincial Public Health Manager Mackson Tabi said health teams have been closely monitoring the situation through the disease surveillance system and are continuing investigations and awareness activities on Tanna.

He said health teams have already carried out awareness sessions and demonstrations on hygiene practices, while medical teams are also providing communities with information on how to respond to diarrhoea cases.

“Teams have already started operations, including awareness activities, demonstrations and hygiene practices. The medical teams are also providing information on what communities can do during a diarrhoea outbreak,” Mr Tabi said.

Health teams have also conducted awareness at the main market to help families access information they can share within their communities.

Mr Tabi said teams will continue travelling to villages around Tanna to monitor the situation and respond to reported cases.

So far, there have been no reports of suspected cases from TAFEA’s outer islands, although surveillance teams are continuing to collect and monitor information.

Mr Tabi said watery diarrhoea is affecting both children and adults, with several common symptoms being reported by families.

“Some of the common symptoms families are experiencing include belly cramps or pain, vomiting, and when they go to the toilet, the stools are not normal but are watery. These are the three common signs affecting families at this time,” he said.

The Health Department is continuing surveillance, investigation and community awareness activities as part of efforts to control the outbreak and prevent further spread.

Health authorities are encouraging communities to pay close attention to hygiene practices and seek medical assistance when symptoms develop.