A dengue outbreak was declared in the Cook Islands in May last year, and they have recorded over 500 cases since. Photo: 123RF
New Zealanders returning from their tropical getaway in the Cook Islands are coming home carrying the dengue virus, prompting local authorities to warn travellers to remain extra vigilant.
A senior health protection officer at the Cook Islands Health Ministry (Te Marae Ora) told Pacific Waves that New Zealand has reported 40 suspected cases of dengue fever contracted by visitors returning from the Cook Islands.
A dengue outbreak was declared in the Cook Islands in May last year, and they have recorded over 500 cases since.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, rash, and sometimes bleeding. While most reported cases in Rarotonga have been mild, severe dengue can require urgent medical attention.
Te Marae Ora's Charlie Ave said they had expected a surge in cases over Christmas and New Year, increasing the risk of cross-border transmissions.
"We expected that to happen during the festive period where our island was fluctuated with people ... about 40 of them went back home, and they have the symptoms of dengue," Ave said.
While there are currently no official travel restrictions in place, Ave said travellers should still be cautious.
"To all our visitors who love to come to the Cook Islands, please take extra precaution. Bring your mosquito repellent and take some personal prevention measures while holidaying here or visiting friends here, so that you won't transmit the virus when you go back to New Zealand."
The majority of cases are on the main island, Rarotonga, however, three of the outer islands - Aitutaki, Atiu and Mauke - have also reported cases.
Te Marae Ora has implemented mass clean-up campaigns and island-wide spraying in an attempt to eradicate dengue carrying mosquitoes.
Just under 10 percent of patients have required hospital admission.
Ave said non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are causing complications.
"According to the data, just over 32 cases have been hospitalised, and we have no reported case of of death," he said.
"According to one of our clinicians from the main hospital here in Rarotonga, these cases, they have other complications like NCD, so those things triggered the dengue symptoms."
Ave said they are doing their best to contain the outbreak and minimise risk of cross-border infections.
He added that they have not received any reports of suspected cases from Australia.
