Dengue Epidemic in French Polynesia Officially Declared Over by ARASS

Official End to Dengue Epidemic

The dengue epidemic that has affected French Polynesia since November 2023 has been officially declared over by the ARASS (Agence de Régulation de l'Action Sanitaire et Sociale). This significant announcement comes after the region recorded two consecutive weeks with dengue case numbers remaining below the established epidemic thresholds, indicating a return to pre-epidemic levels of transmission.

Overview of the Outbreak

The recent dengue outbreak presented a considerable public health challenge across the French Polynesian islands. Since its onset in November 2023, a total of 2,577 dengue cases, comprising 2,312 confirmed and 265 probable infections, were recorded by September 2025. The epidemic saw the circulation of both DENV-1 and DENV-2 serotypes, with DENV-1 becoming the predominant strain since late 2024 and early 2025.

The virus spread across numerous islands within the territory, impacting residents in locations such as:

• Tahiti
• Moorea
• Bora Bora
• Raiatea
• Huahine
• Maupiti
• Takaroa
• Nuku-Hiva
• Rangiroa
• Arutua
• Ua Pou
• Fakarava
• Tikehau

Public Health Response and Impact

Throughout the epidemic, health authorities in French Polynesia maintained heightened surveillance and implemented various control measures to mitigate the spread of the mosquito-borne disease. While the outbreak led to a substantial number of infections, reports indicated that no severe cases or deaths were recorded in several updates during the epidemic period. The consistent monitoring of case numbers and the adherence to public health protocols were crucial in managing the epidemic's trajectory.

Looking Forward

The official declaration of the epidemic's end signifies a critical turning point for French Polynesia, allowing the region to focus on continued vigilance and preventative measures against future outbreaks. Public health efforts will likely remain in place to monitor for any resurgence and to educate the population on dengue prevention strategies, such as mosquito control and personal protection.