The Vanuatu Ministry of Health has confirmed a total of 795 whooping cough (pertussis) cases and seven deaths since the outbreak began last year 2025.
While weekly case numbers are beginning to decline, health officials warn that transmission remains above outbreak levels, with infants and young children continuing to face the highest risk.
Most cases have been reported on Efate and Tanna. Since the start of the outbreak, 65 people have been hospitalized.
According to the Ministry, children under the age of 10 are the most affected group, particularly babies under one year old.
Health authorities are urging parents and caregivers to ensure that children under five are fully immunized with the Pentavalent vaccine, describing vaccination as the most effective protection against the disease.
Officials are also advising the public to watch for symptoms such as persistent or severe coughing, a “whooping” sound when breathing in, vomiting after coughing, and difficulty breathing in infants.
The Ministry is encouraging preventive measures including regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and seeking early medical care for prolonged cough.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are calling on families to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
