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World: Epidemic and emerging disease alerts in the Pacific as of 17 March 2026

ReliefWeb Updates3 hours ago

WarCast Score

52/100

GPT Reference

20/100

Summary

Countries: World, Australia, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna (France) Source: Pacific Community Please refer to the attached Map. Highlights/updates since the last map was sent on PacNet on 10 March 2026: Dengue Cook Islands: As of 09 March 2026, the dengue outbreak in the Cook Islands remains ongoing, with 1,193 cumulative confirmed, suspected and probable cases reported since the outbreak was declared on 22 May 2025. This includes 25 active cases and 806 recovered cases, with 53 cases hospitalised to date, most of whom have since been discharged, and one dengue‑related death reported. Transmission continues to affect Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with 145 cases reported from the Pa Enua, indicating sustained geographic spread beyond the main island. In response, Te Marae Ora continues to implement intensified outbreak control measures under Operation Namu26, including peri‑focal and block spraying targeting hotspots, island‑wide clean‑up activities, larval source reduction, and sustained community engagement. The blue alert for DENV-1 and DENV-2 remains in effect. – Source: Dengue Situation Report #90, EpiWeek #11 shared with PPHSN Coordinating Body focal point on 17 March 2026. New Caledonia: As of 14 March 2026, dengue activity continues to intensify in New Caledonia, with 268 cases reported since 1 January 2026 with 51 local cases reported in EpiWeek 09 and EpiWeek 10. From the Situation report #4 DENV‑1 remains the predominant serotype among locally acquired cases. The mean age of cases is approximately 27 years, with a slight female predominance (sex‑ratio H/F: 0.8). A total of 23 municipalities has reported cases, with significant transmission in the northern and eastern parts of the territory. The blue alert for DENV-1 remains in effect. – Sources: Vigilance DASS Dengue 2026-#4 shared with PPHSN Coordinating Body Focal point on 10 M

AI Assessment

Threat Level: MODERATE. emerging disease alerts ongoing dengue outbreak

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Identified Entities

Countries & Regions

AustraliaFijiGuamKiribatiMarshall IslandsMicronesiaNew CaledoniaNew ZealandSamoaTokelauTongaVanuatuWallis and Futuna

Threat Indicators

military action
nuclear threat
cyber warfare
terrorism

Key Phrases

"emerging disease alerts""ongoing dengue outbreak"

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Published: 2026-03-17 07:58:43 UTCAI Scored: 3/17/2026Model: local_v2
World: Epidemic and emerging disease alerts in the Pacific as of 17 March 2026 | Warcast