Respiratory Disease Situation Update (Ministry of Health and Human Services)
By Elilai Rengiil
Covid cases in Palau have continued to climb, with 85 infections and nine hospital admissions reported in the latest weekly Respiratory Disease Situation Update from the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS), released Friday, July 24.
The Communicable Disease Unit (CDU) said Covid remains a serious respiratory illness but is now managed in line with other infections, with no routine contact tracing conducted. Officials said the focus is on prevention and transparent reporting of case numbers to keep the public informed.
No Covid vaccines are currently available in Palau, according to MHHS. Masks are required in all MHHS facilities, and the ministry continues to advise good hygiene practices, regular handwashing, use of hand sanitizer, and medical care for anyone with a cough lasting two weeks or more.
The weekly report also tracks other respiratory diseases, including tuberculosis (TB) and pertussis (whooping cough). Both diseases have held the same case count for two weeks. The latest TB update lists 13 cases, with 134 contacts identified and 130 evaluated.
MHHS describes TB as an airborne disease spread by coughing or sneezing and urges anyone with a persistent cough, fatigue, fever, chills, night sweats, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss to seek care.
Pertussis has three cases reported and 45 contacts identified, of which 44 have been evaluated. The MHHS notes that infants, older adults, and immunocompromised people are most at risk and reiterates that vaccination offers the best protection.