Health authorities have issued a stern warning as a severe influenza A outbreak continues to sweep across the islands, resulting in ten fatalities and a significant number of hospitalizations. The latest surveillance data reveals a sharp and concerning spike in cases as the new year begins.
According to the Bulletin de surveillance sanitaire de Polynésie française for the first epidemiological week of 2026 (December 29 to January 4), 48 new laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A were recorded. The severity of the outbreak is underscored by the high rate of hospitalizations, with twenty-five of those cases requiring inpatient care, including six patients in intensive care units. Tragically, three new flu-related deaths were reported during that single week, bringing the total death toll since the start of the outbreak to ten.
The predominant circulating virus has been identified as the Influenza A(H3N2) subtype, a strain known to sometimes cause more severe seasons, particularly among older adults and young children.
In response to the escalating crisis, the local health ministry has maintained a red alert for Influenza A. This top-level warning underscores the serious risk to public health and activates enhanced surveillance and response protocols.
Officials are urgently reminding the public that the seasonal flu vaccine remains the most effective defense. Vaccination is immediately available and free for target groups—including the elderly, individuals with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and healthcare workers—at all healthcare facilities and a network of selected pharmacies.
Health experts stress that the combination of high transmissibility and severe outcomes highlights the critical importance of vaccination and preventative measures such as frequent hand washing, wearing masks in crowded settings, and self-isolation at the first sign of symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches.
The situation is being closely monitored, with updates provided through official health channels. This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the potential severity of seasonal influenza and the vital role of community-wide protection through timely vaccination.
Source: reliefweb.int
