Surveillance Report for Epi Week 20 of 2022

Highlights for Epi Week 16 of 2022

• A total of 8731 individuals with COVID-19 were detected in Vanuatu until the end of EpiWeek 20 2022 (324 during EpiWeek 20), and from a total of 20 islands from five provinces
• The number of cases reported decreased nationally in EpiWeek 20 by 32%
• Case numbers, testing and test positivity differ by island within provinces
• Torba : Seven islands (Gaua, Hiu, Loh, Moto Lava, Tegua, Toga and Vanua Lava) have reported cases by the end of EpiWeek 20. The reported number of tests conducted decreased in Torba in EpiWeek 20, and there was a corresponding decrease in cases detected. Test positivity continued to remain low.
• Sanma : Cases have been reported on Santo, Aore and Malo island. At a provincial level, case numbers have decreased since EpiWeek 15, and positivity has decreased supporting the evidence that the peak has been reached in Sanma province.
• Penama : As of EpiWeek 20, only Pentecost island has reported locally-acquired cases however limited testing has occurred on Maewo and Ambae. Test positivity has fluctuated but remained high at 36% in EpiWeek 20, suggesting that cases are ongoing. The number of new cases reported remained stable from EpiWeek 19 to EpiWeek 20.
• Shefa : As of EpiWeek 20, cases have been reported on Efate, Nguna,Ifira, Lelepa and Moso islands. Case numbers, testing and positivity have decreased since EpiWeek 12.
• Tafea : The number of reported cases and test numbers has increased in Tafea since EpiWeek 16.
• Until the end of EpiWeek 20:
• Cases that were not fully vaccinated were at least twice more likely to be hospitalised compared to fully vaccinated cases
• Cases that were not fully vaccinated were nearly three times as likely to have critical COVID-19 infection compared to fully vaccinated cases
• Cases that were not fully vaccinated were nearly twice more likely to die from their COVID-19 infection compared to fully vaccinated cases