Vanuatu whooping cough: outbreak said under control as seven die in vanuatu
Vanuatu's Ministry of Health says the whooping cough outbreak is now under control, a claim that comes as authorities confirm seven deaths and multiple, differing case totals. The ministry says cases have decreased and that vaccination efforts are being expanded, matters officials say are crucial while transmission falls.
Ministry statement and public health update from Dr Jenny Stephens
The Ministry of Health has told the public that the outbreak is under control and that numbers have decreased. Public Health director Dr Jenny Stephens said there are no new cases and that health teams are doing everything they can to control the spread. She noted weekly fluctuations in the EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunisation) week report but said the overall pattern indicates transmission is declining and the outbreak is gradually returning towards baseline levels.
Deaths total seven, with four more recently reported and three infants among victims
Four more people have died, bringing the total to seven fatalities from whooping cough in the country. Three of the deaths were infants. Six of the deaths occurred in Tanna and one occurred in Shefa Province. The deaths have prompted health authorities to urge the public to take preventive measures.
Conflicting case figures: 795 since June 2025, 760 on 2 February, and an 89-case report
Case counts in the material provided vary. The ministry confirmed 795 cases have been recorded since June 2025, while an update on 2 February said cases were declining from a peak in late 2025 and that 760 cases had been reported, of which 732 were clinically diagnosed and 28 were laboratory confirmed. Separately, the country's Health Ministry has been cited as reporting 89 cases of whooping cough. The reports also say overall numbers have now decreased from earlier highs.
Vaccination push: pentavalent rollout for children under five and provincial initiatives
The ministry is prioritising vaccination against Bordetella pertussis. Dr Jenny Stephens said teams have rolled out a vaccination initiative in the provinces to ensure children under five are fully immunised with the pentavalent vaccine. She urged provinces, families and caregivers to make sure children receive the vaccines they need, stressing continued attention even as cases fall.
Symptoms, transmission and public advice on seeking care
Whooping cough is described as a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium and is easily transmitted through coughing and sneezing. Patients often have severe coughing fits with a distinct "whooping" sound when breathing in. Health officials have advised: if you're feeling sick, visit a health facility for information and treatment, and avoid being around people who are sick. Provinces have been told they will continue to take precautions and advise people to seek help if unwell.
An illustration shows the Bordetella pertussis bacteria that causes whooping cough (photo: 123RF).
