By Losirene Lacanivalu, Cook Islands News
Since the outbreak began in February this year, 158 dengue cases have been reported. Photo: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is hopeful the Cook Islands is on the verge of eliminating dengue fever on Rarotonga, with only one new case recorded in the past two weeks and none in the Pa Enua.
Since the outbreak began in February this year, 158 dengue cases have been reported, with 150 people fully recovered. As per a report earlier this week, only eight cases remain active.
Secretary of Health Bob Williams said the dramatic drop in new infections is a promising sign that the outbreak is coming under control.
"I think there was only one case for the last two weeks so it has really slowed down now compared to the last month," Williams told Cook Islands News. "Nothing in the Pa Enua."
Williams credited the coordinated public health response including island-wide clean-ups and the Tutaka inspections for helping bring the outbreak under control.
"I think with the responses and the clean-ups, the Tutaka programmes, I think we are, hopefully, close to eliminating dengue here in Rarotonga," he said.
"As I mentioned, given the number of confirmed cases the last two weeks, it has really dropped compared to previous weeks. Hopefully, we are close to eliminating dengue."
According to Pacific Community's report on epidemic and emerging disease alerts in the Pacific, most of the dengue cases in the Cook Islands belong to the 10-19 age group with no fatalities or severe dengue cases reported.
Of 50 serotyped samples, 47 were DENV-1 and 3 were DENV-2, "confirming co-circulation".
"Authorities are conducting clean-up campaigns and mass spraying campaign, urging the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, use repellents, wear protective clothing, and seek medical care if symptoms appear," SPC stated.
According to PMN News, extreme weather linked to climate change, including heavy rains, floods and longer hot seasons, expands mosquito-breeding grounds and prolongs transmission periods, health officials state. Experts warn that dengue is now a year-round threat in parts of the Pacific. Limited access to healthcare, equipment shortages and gaps in disease surveillance mean that many infections go unreported.
In Cook Islands, Te Marae Ora continues to manage the situation through intensified vector control measures, including peri-focal and block spraying around the homes of confirmed cases, and community-wide cleaning efforts such as slashing overgrown areas and clearing streams.
Public awareness campaigns are also ongoing, encouraging people to remove mosquito breeding sites and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, rash, and sometimes bleeding. Most reported cases in Rarotonga have been mild, but severe dengue can require urgent medical attention.
The ministry is urging the public to remain vigilant and continue taking preventive measures, including using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants especially at dawn and dusk, using mosquito nets or window screens, and isolating if they test positive.
Community support remains crucial to fully eliminating dengue. Te Marae Ora is asking anyone who suspects they may have dengue to seek medical advice immediately.
-This article was first published by Cook Islands News
