Health
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Cook Islands Dengue Fever Cases Rise to Four
Cook Islands Reports Four Dengue Fever Cases, Triggers Health Response
RAROTONGA, Cook Islands – The Cook Islands Ministry of Health has confirmed four cases of dengue fever on Rarotonga, prompting the development of a response plan. The first case, believed to be imported, was reported earlier this month. Three additional cases have since been confirmed, with no hospitalizations reported so far.
Health Secretary Bob Williams stated that a declaration of a dengue outbreak will be made in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, contingent on meeting the minimum required number of confirmed cases. An Incident Management System (IMS) team, comprising government agencies, NGOs, and Puna Teams, is monitoring the situation and will be mobilized once the declaration is made.
Prior to this recent surge, the last dengue outbreak in the Cook Islands concluded in 2021. The Ministry has emphasized its ongoing efforts in dengue prevention, including regional outbreak monitoring, traveler advisories, and a dedicated vector unit responsible for mosquito population control and regular spraying programs. Collaboration with external stakeholders on training and laboratory techniques further enhances these efforts. Following the initial case, health protocols were enacted, including monitoring of the patient and their contacts, and perifocal spraying to reduce the mosquito population.
Symptoms of dengue fever range from mild (fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and pain behind the eyes) to severe (rash, mild bleeding, easy bruising), potentially leading to internal bleeding or death if left untreated. The Ministry urges residents to take preventative measures such as cleaning homes and removing stagnant water, wearing long sleeves, using mosquito repellent, and employing mosquito netting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to seek medical attention. While the current situation is being closely monitored, the Ministry maintains a proactive approach to managing the outbreak and preventing further spread.
RAROTONGA, Cook Islands – The Cook Islands Ministry of Health has confirmed four cases of dengue fever on Rarotonga, prompting the development of a response plan. The first case, believed to be imported, was reported earlier this month. Three additional cases have since been confirmed, with no hospitalizations reported so far.
Health Secretary Bob Williams stated that a declaration of a dengue outbreak will be made in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, contingent on meeting the minimum required number of confirmed cases. An Incident Management System (IMS) team, comprising government agencies, NGOs, and Puna Teams, is monitoring the situation and will be mobilized once the declaration is made.
Prior to this recent surge, the last dengue outbreak in the Cook Islands concluded in 2021. The Ministry has emphasized its ongoing efforts in dengue prevention, including regional outbreak monitoring, traveler advisories, and a dedicated vector unit responsible for mosquito population control and regular spraying programs. Collaboration with external stakeholders on training and laboratory techniques further enhances these efforts. Following the initial case, health protocols were enacted, including monitoring of the patient and their contacts, and perifocal spraying to reduce the mosquito population.
Symptoms of dengue fever range from mild (fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and pain behind the eyes) to severe (rash, mild bleeding, easy bruising), potentially leading to internal bleeding or death if left untreated. The Ministry urges residents to take preventative measures such as cleaning homes and removing stagnant water, wearing long sleeves, using mosquito repellent, and employing mosquito netting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to seek medical attention. While the current situation is being closely monitored, the Ministry maintains a proactive approach to managing the outbreak and preventing further spread.
