PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On February 18, 2026, the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA) received a report from Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services confirming nine pertussis cases detected on the island of Pohnpei.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory illness. It is highly contagious and may initially resemble a common cold; coughing can persist for weeks or even months. The whooping cough is spread easily through the air from person to person. Individuals can transmit the whooping cough from the onset of symptoms for at least two weeks after coughing begins. Young babies and individual with immunocompromise conditions are high risk for developing severe complications.
The Department is urging everyone to update their vaccinations as vaccination is the most effective way to prevent whooping cough. Vaccines are available for babies 6 weeks old and older at all state public health facilities.
