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More than 2,000 cases and overwhelmed emergency rooms: the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DASS) confirms a flu epidemic in New Caledonia
The flu virus is circulating more widely in New Caledonia. The Médipôle hospital has mandated mask-wearing since September 22nd. However, hospitalizations for flu-like symptoms are putting a strain on a service already weakened by staff shortages.
By Théo Rouby, Ambre Lefeivre, Brigitte Whaap
Published on October 14, 2026 at 3:40 AM
At the end of September, the sentinel physician network alerted the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DASS) to an increase in consultations and cases of influenza. The government health service confirmed this Wednesday, October 14th, on NC La 1ère, that New Caledonia is facing an epidemic.
As of October 5, there were 2,115 cases, according to the latest figures. Over the previous two weeks, 375 cases were recorded. During the same period, 141 patients with flu-like symptoms required hospitalization.
Masks must be worn at the Médipôle and at the doctor's office.
The last major flu epidemic dates back to April 2022. At the time, it led to the overcrowding of emergency rooms . Today, the virus is once again putting a strain on this service, which is already weakened by a shortage of healthcare workers.
“We would need 23 additional beds to properly hospitalize our patients. That would be equivalent to 3 full-time positions and would require 12 full-time nurses ,” explains Solène Ruiz, a doctor and president of the emergency room doctors' union. Under these conditions, it sometimes takes 24 hours to get a bed.
Since September 22nd, the Médipôle hospital has made wearing a mask mandatory within its premises . The recommendations from the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DASS) also encourage patients to wear them at the doctor's office or in clinics.
The flu poses a risk to the most vulnerable, particularly the elderly. The main symptoms are fever, cough, and body aches.
How to protect yourself?
Wear a mask if you have symptoms (especially in enclosed/crowded places) and if you are in contact with vulnerable people.
Wear a mask if you go to a health facility (doctor, clinic, CMS…).
Wash your hands regularly (water + soap for 30 seconds) or use hand sanitizer.
Limit contact if you are sick (especially with babies, the elderly, and sick people).
Greet without contact .
Cough/sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
Ventilate the rooms regularly .
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la1ere.franceinfo.fr
The flu virus is circulating more widely in New Caledonia. The Médipôle hospital has mandated mask-wearing since September 22nd. However, hospitalizations for flu-like symptoms are putting a strain on a service already weakened by staff shortages.
By Théo Rouby, Ambre Lefeivre, Brigitte Whaap
Published on October 14, 2026 at 3:40 AM
At the end of September, the sentinel physician network alerted the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DASS) to an increase in consultations and cases of influenza. The government health service confirmed this Wednesday, October 14th, on NC La 1ère, that New Caledonia is facing an epidemic.
As of October 5, there were 2,115 cases, according to the latest figures. Over the previous two weeks, 375 cases were recorded. During the same period, 141 patients with flu-like symptoms required hospitalization.
Masks must be worn at the Médipôle and at the doctor's office.
The last major flu epidemic dates back to April 2022. At the time, it led to the overcrowding of emergency rooms . Today, the virus is once again putting a strain on this service, which is already weakened by a shortage of healthcare workers.
“We would need 23 additional beds to properly hospitalize our patients. That would be equivalent to 3 full-time positions and would require 12 full-time nurses ,” explains Solène Ruiz, a doctor and president of the emergency room doctors' union. Under these conditions, it sometimes takes 24 hours to get a bed.
Since September 22nd, the Médipôle hospital has made wearing a mask mandatory within its premises . The recommendations from the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DASS) also encourage patients to wear them at the doctor's office or in clinics.
The flu poses a risk to the most vulnerable, particularly the elderly. The main symptoms are fever, cough, and body aches.
How to protect yourself?
Wear a mask if you have symptoms (especially in enclosed/crowded places) and if you are in contact with vulnerable people.
Wear a mask if you go to a health facility (doctor, clinic, CMS…).
Wash your hands regularly (water + soap for 30 seconds) or use hand sanitizer.
Limit contact if you are sick (especially with babies, the elderly, and sick people).
Greet without contact .
Cough/sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
Ventilate the rooms regularly .
Plus de 2 000 cas et des urgences saturées : la Dass confirme une épidémie de grippe en Nouvelle-Calédonie - Outre-mer La 1ère
La circulation du virus de la grippe s’intensifie en Nouvelle-Calédonie. Le Médipôle impose le port du masque depuis le 22 septembre. Mais les hospitalisations pour syndrome grippal pèsent sur un service déjà fragilisé par le manque de soignants.
la1ere.franceinfo.fr