The Health Ministry is reporting an increase in patients seeking medical attention for flu-like symptoms at health facilities in Port Vila.
It has declared an outbreak of influenza in the Port Vila area.
In the past two weeks there has also been an increase in suspected influenza cases at the Northern Provincial Hospital in Luganville.
The ministry said it is closely monitoring the cases.
During this time the Ministry is strongly recommending that members of the public to take action to prevent getting infected and if individuals are experiencing flu-like symptoms, to visit their nearest health facility.
“Whilst there has been an increase in influenza cases, the Ministry wishes to clarify that since 2019 there have been no deaths caused by influenza. Careful review of patients by the Ministry has confirmed that no deaths in 2019 are as a result of the disease,” Ministry of Health stated.
The Ministry also said it wishes to remind the public that case numbers reported during outbreak are often subject to change as more information, including laboratory results, become available.
The Ministry is awaiting results of laboratory testing to confirm the strain (type) of influenza currently affecting cases in the reported areas.