Testing is underway in Tanna following two child deaths and 13 suspected cases of whooping cough, according to the Ministry of Health.

According to health authorities, laboratory samples will be sent to the Vila Central Hospital (VCH) for confirmation.

Six patients are currently receiving treatment, while five have recovered. Public health teams in Tanna, with support from Vila Central Hospital, are carrying out a vaccination campaign and awareness sessions across affected communities in response to the suspected outbreak.

Parents are being urged to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, as whooping cough can cause severe breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, and in some cases, death.

Marama Jacob from the Ministry of Health said situation reports revealed that most of the suspected cases are in babies aged between four months and one year.

“We found in the situation report from Tanna that most suspected cases are babies between four months and one year old. We also found they had not received their recommended vaccine, known as pentavalent, which is why we now have whooping cough cases in Tanna,” Ms. Jacob said.

The vaccination campaign has so far reached around 250 people, including children who had missed their doses and babies as young as three months old.

Awareness activities are being conducted in four communities — Imaia, Ianapik, Green Point, and Ianruan — focusing on prevention, early detection, and the importance of immunisation.

Ms. Jacob explained that whooping cough spreads mainly through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

“It spreads through the air via coughing and sneezing. If you cough, you must cover your mouth with your hand, use a handkerchief, or block it with your elbow. The disease can be transmitted from one person to another by an infected individual,” she said.

While testing continues for suspected cases in Tanna, health authorities are advising anyone travelling from the island to visit a health facility if they feel unwell.