Whooping Cough and Dengue Fever Cases Rise in Tahiti and Moorea
Dual Health threats Plague French Polynesia: Whooping Cough and Dengue Cases Surge
Papeete, French Polynesia – French Polynesia is grappling wiht a surge in both whooping cough and dengue fever, straining the islands’ healthcare system.
Health officials confirmed 49 new cases of whooping cough, bringing the total number of infections since June to 389. The majority of these cases (47) are concentrated on Tahiti, with one case each reported on Moorea and Rangiroa. Two new hospitalizations have been recorded: a baby under 11 months old and an adult.
“Preventive measures like wearing masks,frequent handwashing,and isolation are crucial in this situation,” authorities stressed. “Protecting oneself from mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds are also essential.”
Tragically, 12 infants have been hospitalized since the outbreak began, with one fatality reported in early November.
adding to the health crisis, French Polynesia is also facing a dengue fever outbreak.
Forty-seven new dengue cases were confirmed out of 112 tests conducted. Tahiti accounts for the majority of these cases (25), followed by Moorea (5) and Huahine or Rangiroa. Since the dengue outbreak began, 350 cases have been identified, resulting in 28 hospitalizations. Thankfully, no severe cases or deaths have been reported.
In response to the escalating dengue situation, authorities have declared an epidemic phase for Tahiti and Moorea. Healthcare professionals are now required to report all confirmed dengue cases, and NS1 antigen tests are recommended as the initial diagnostic tool.
Adding to the health concerns, two cases of leptospirosis were also reported this week.
While whooping cough primarily affects children and infants,dengue fever can impact a wider range of ages,with varying degrees of severity.
Dual Health Threats Plague French Polynesia: Whooping cough adn Dengue Cases Surge
Papeete,French Polynesia – French Polynesia is facing a health crisis as cases of both whooping cough and dengue fever surge,putting a strain on the islands’ healthcare system.
Health officials have confirmed 49 new cases of whooping cough since June, bringing the total to 389.The majority of these cases (47) are on Tahiti, with one case each reported on Moorea and Rangiroa. Two new hospitalizations have been recorded – a baby under 11 months old and an adult. Tragically, 12 infants have been hospitalized since the outbreak began, with one fatality reported in early November.
Adding to the health emergency,French Polynesia is experiencing a dengue fever outbreak as well.Forty-seven new dengue cases were confirmed out of 112 tests. Tahiti accounts for the majority of these cases (25), followed by Moorea (5) and Huahine or Rangiroa. Since the outbreak began, 350 dengue cases have been identified, resulting in 28 hospitalizations. Fortunately, no severe cases or deaths have been reported.
Due to the escalating situation, authorities have declared an epidemic phase for Tahiti and Moorea. Healthcare professionals are now required to report all confirmed dengue cases, and NS1 antigen tests are recommended as the initial diagnostic tool.
Adding to the health concerns, two cases of leptospirosis were also reported this week.
French Polynesian authorities urge the public to take preventive measures against both diseases. These include wearing masks, frequent handwashing, isolation for those infected with whooping cough, protecting oneself from mosquito bites, and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.