New Caledonia's government has officially declared an epidemic of hepatitis, type A.
The Health and Social Services head, Dr Jean-Paul Grangeon, said that for the past few weeks, his services have been notified of many cases of hepatitis A, in particular among children under 15 years of age.
Mr Grangeon says primary schools and kindergartens are worst hit.
He says it's therefore essential to remind people of the need to have elementary hygiene rules respected by children and persons working with children.
