The Ministry of Health would like to confirm that the Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI) cases reported through the national syndromic surveillance system have crossed the alert threshold in Port Vila and Luganville and therefore an Influenza outbreak is now in these two locations.
Testing has been conducted in Vila Central Hospital Lab and confirmed to be Influenza A. More Samples will be sent for further testing overseas. It is expected that Influenza will spread to other islands in Vanuatu in the coming days and weeks.
From 30 May to 5 June 2022, the National surveillance unit recorded a total of 604 Influenza Like
Illness cases, whereby 55% of the cases were reported from Port Vila, Efate and 36 % from Luganville, Santo.
Signs and symptoms.
Influenza is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat and a runny nose. The cough can be severe and can last 2 or more weeks.
Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention. But severe illness or death can result, especially in people at high risk. These include pregnant women, children under 5 years-old, the elderly, individuals with underlying medical conditions (such as chronic cardiac, pulmonary, renal, metabolic, neurodevelopmental, liver or hematologic diseases) and immunosuppressed individuals. Health care workers are at high risk of acquiring influenza due to increased exposure to patients.
Prevention.
Therefore, the Ministry of Health continues to advise people that those who are sick stay home to avoid infecting others. Other public health and social measures put in place for COVID-19 can also prevent other respiratory illnesses. These include: frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth, covering coughs and sneezes, physical distancing, meeting in well ventilated areas, and avoiding crowds.
Immunization Is the most effective measure against influenza. People who are at high risk including those with underlying medical condition and those who are 55 years old and above are encouraged to receive an influenza vaccine. While the Ministry of Health is not conducting an influenza vaccination program, these may be accessed through private clinics and pharmacies for a fee.