Diarrhoeal Outbreak in Honiara and provinces: Public Urged to Continue Good Hygiene Practices as Response Interventions Expand Nationally

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) continues to respond to a diarrhoeal disease outbreak affecting Honiara and the provinces. Over 3,000 cases have now been recorded since the start of the outbreak. Although most cases are concentrated in Honiara and Guadalcanal, recent clusters have also been identified in Gizo, Auki, Buala, and Helena Goldie Hospital (HGH), indicating spread to other provinces.

Children aged 1 to 9 years remain the most affected. The Ministry’s Health Information System (HIS) team is currently reviewing data to determine any diarrhea-related fatalities over the past two months. As of 11 July 2025, 12 out of 23 stool samples tested positive for rotavirus using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). Further testing of samples that have been sent to the reference laboratory in Australia aims at precisely characterizing the causative pathogen of the outbreak.

 

Health Response Interventions Intensify

The NRH Emergency Department remains on alert, supported by the Pediatrics Clinical team. ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt) requests for supply have been reported and are being urgently addressed by the National Medical Stores and Second Level Medical Stores throughout the country. Meanwhile, pediatric teams are extending support through outreach to Guadalcanal, Malaita and other provinces.

Environmental Health and mobile teams in Honiara are visiting communities, with plans to increase frequency to affected communities. Sanitation assessments are also being prepared, and cleaners in Honiara City Council clinics are undergoing refresher training on Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC).

Risk communication teams have begun reaching schools with key hygiene messages and plan to scale up outreach, including through radio talkback shows, posters, and community visits. School messaging will also be included in all media and public materials going forward noting the commencement of the schools after the mid-year holidays.

Data mapping has shown rising case numbers in East and West Honiara.

Key Messages for the Public

The Ministry urges everyone to remain vigilant and continue practicing good hygiene:

How Diarrhoea Spreads:

• Through direct contact with faeces or vomit from an infected person
• By consuming contaminated food or water
• Via unwashed hands or unclean surfaces

Symptoms:

• Watery stools
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Stomach pain
• Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, tiredness, and reduced urination

What to Do If You or Your Child Has Diarrhoea

• Seek immediate care: Take children to the nearest clinic without delay.
• Keep hydrated: Give clean water, coconut water, or rice water.
• Use ORS: Continue until symptoms stop.
• Continue breastfeeding: Feed babies frequently.
• Eat safely: Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.

Protect Your Family from Diarrhoea

• Wash hands with soap and water:
  • Before eating or preparing food
  • After using the toilet
  • After cleaning your child
• Use clean, safe toilets or bury faeces properly
• Boil and store drinking water in clean, sealed containers
• Cover and properly cook food
• Keep your home and environment clean
• Vaccinate your infant against rotavirus (at 6 and 10 weeks of age)

What the Ministry and Partners Are Doing

• Tracking and responding to outbreak developments across provinces
• Supporting clinics and hospitals with staff, supplies, and technical guidance
• Enhancing community awareness through targeted health messages in schools, communities, and media
• Improving laboratory testing with support from Australia
• Coordinating daily surveillance and data sharing among health workers
• Planning water quality assessments through provincial environmental health teams

The Ministry is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Honiara City Council Health Division, Guadalcanal Provincial Health, and other non-governmental partners to ensure a coordinated national response.

Together, we can stop the spread of diarrhoea.
Wash your hands often, drink clean water, and seek medical help early. Protect your children by getting them vaccinated against rotavirus. Make sure to only get your information from trusted sources, such as the MHMS and WHO.

For more information, contact your local health clinic (or call MHMS/ Health Promotion Unit)

ENDS//

– MHMS Press Statement