Four Confirmed Cases of Dengue Fever Reported in Rarotonga

Rarotonga, Cook Islands – Four cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in Rarotonga, following an initial report of one imported case earlier this month. Te Marae Ora (TMO) Secretary Bob Williams announced the news on Saturday, stressing that the individuals do not require hospitalization.

Williams explained that the first case involved an individual who contracted the virus while traveling abroad. Since then, three additional cases have emerged. He stated, “There are four confirmed cases on Rarotonga with no hospitalisation,” emphasizing the importance of monitoring and timely notification.

To assess the situation, a declaration of an outbreak will be considered according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which include factors like a rise in confirmed cases and laboratory testing confirmation. “If the minimum number of confirmed cases meets the requirement, we will certainly issue a declaration,” Williams added.

A response plan is currently in development, ready to be mobilized upon an outbreak declaration. Williams mentioned that the Incident Management System (IMS) Team, which includes various government agencies and NGOs, is kept informed of the developments.

The TMO has a dedicated vector unit that regularly monitors the local mosquito population and conducts preventive measures, including spraying programs. Williams pointed out joint initiatives with external stakeholders aimed at training and insecticide resistance testing.

As a precaution, TMO recently alerted staff at the Airport Authority about the confirmed dengue cases and the need for vigilance. The last dengue outbreak in the Cook Islands was declared in 2019, with the previous one ending in 2021.

Williams stated, “Since then, our efforts in preventing a dengue outbreak have been successful.” The TMO continuously monitors the region for outbreaks and informs travelers about health risks to minimize the importation of diseases.

Common symptoms of dengue include fever, joint and muscle pains, and nausea. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention. Severe dengue can lead to internal bleeding, emphasizing the need for prompt care.

In response to the current dengue cases, TMO has advised residents to maintain mosquito-free environments by clearing stagnant water and using repellents.