Region: Dengue risk increase in multiple countries over coming months
Dengue cases reported since January 2026:
New Caledonia recorded over 640 cases with sustained transmission and an epidemic declared in late March, with the highest transmission occurring outside Greater Nouméa.
Kiribati reported 514 confirmed and 1,564 suspected dengue cases nationwide as of 13 April, with recent notifications indicating continued transmission concentrated in South Tarawa.
Samoa reported 154 cases between 23-29 March, including 40 confirmed cases and 23 hospitalisations.
Tonga declared a dengue outbreak on 17 April with 24 confirmed cases recorded across the country.
The Cook Islands reported no new dengue cases between 2-6 April, with only five active cases remaining in Rarotonga, indicating declining transmission.
Assessment: The region is entering a seasonal cycle of dengue, with active transmission exacerbated by recent rain and extreme weather. In-country spread is expected to increase in the coming weeks to months until government and community vector control and surveillance measures are strengthened. Cases are likely to appear in Solomon Islands and Fiji.
Sources: “New Caledonia reports spike in dengue cases,” Island Business, April 15, 2026; Andrina Elvira Burkhart, “1,000 nets to reduce dengue cases,” Samoa Observer, April 11, 2026; “Dengue outbreak declared across three island groups,” Talanoa o Tonga, April 17, 2026; “Tonga declares dengue outbreak, 24 cases confirmed,” Talanoa o Tonga, April 21, 2026; “Epidemic and emerging disease alerts in the Pacific region,” Pacific Community, April 21, 2026.
