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[HEALTH] · French Polynesia · 3 sources

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French Polynesia faces resurgence of lymphatic filariasis

lymphatic filariasis French Polynesia mariri mosquito-borne disease public health campaign

French Polynesia is experiencing a concerning resurgence of lymphatic filariasis, locally known as mariri. The disease, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and can lead to chronic limb swelling or elephantiasis, has seen a steady rise in cases: 65 in 2023, 50 in 2024, 51 in 2025, and 40 already recorded in the first half of 2026.

The Îles Sous-le-Vent, Îles du Vent, and South Marques islands are among the most affected regions. In Taha’a, a prevalence survey indicated that approximately 8% of the population is infected.

In response, the Direction de la santé is intensifying its efforts. Planned actions include a prevalence survey in Raiatea this September and a preventive treatment distribution campaign in Taha’a from October 12 to 24. Another campaign is scheduled for the Puamau valley in Hiva Oa from November 8 to 13. A budget of 13.8 million Fcfp has been requested to potentially fund a prevalence survey in Tahiti to help interrupt parasite transmission.

Entities

Direction de la santé · French Polynesia · Hiva Oa · Raiatea · Taha’a

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] A preventive treatment distribution campaign will take place in Taha’a from October 12 to 24. www.tntvnews.pf
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] A prevalence survey will be conducted in Raiatea in September. www.tntvnews.pf
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] 40 cases of lymphatic filariasis were recorded in the first half of 2026. www.tntvnews.pf
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] 65 new cases of lymphatic filariasis were recorded in 2023. www.tntvnews.pf
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] A budget of 13.8 million Fcfp has been requested to fund the prevalence survey in Tahiti. www.tntvnews.pf
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The Direction de la santé will strengthen actions against lymphatic filariasis by the end of the year. www.tntvnews.pf
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] 51 new cases of lymphatic filariasis were recorded in 2025. www.tntvnews.pf
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 8% of the population in Taha’a is affected by lymphatic filariasis. www.tntvnews.pf

Sources

Filariose : une "recrudescence préoccupante" dans plusieurs archipels • TNTV News - Tahiti Nui Télévision [www.tntvnews.pf]
Dengue, chikungunya, virus du Nil occidental: faut-il s'inquiéter des cas en France hexagonale? [fr.news.yahoo.com]
Dengue, chikungunya, virus du Nil occidental: faut-il s'inquiéter des cas en France hexagonale? [www.rfi.fr]