Dengue fever cases have risen to 17 in Rarotonga, according to the latest update from Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health (TMO), with nine cases currently active and eight people having recovered.

Despite the increase, the risk to tourists is considered low by both health officials and the tourism corporation, provided standard preventative measures are followed.

Following queries from Cook Islands News, TMO stated that all confirmed cases have been Cook Islands residents or returning locals and are contained within local housing.

The average rate of infection remains stable at about one confirmed case per day.

The latest figures mark an increase from the 11 confirmed cases reported earlier this month, when Tupapa was identified as the area hardest hit. Tupapa now has six total cases across three households. Other affected areas included Ruaau (2 confirmed cases), Titikaveka (2), Ngatangiia (3), Matavera (2) and Nikao (2).

Health authorities say the majority of the new cases are also mild and being closely monitored. No cases have been reported in the Pa Enua to date.

TMO says it continues to manage the situation effectively through vector control measures and heightened public health awareness.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, rash, and in some cases, bleeding. While most cases resolve without complications, TMO warns that severe dengue may require urgent medical attention.

Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation advises travellers that the overall risk “remains very low when standard precautions are followed”, and the country remains a safe and welcoming destination.

Tourism chief executive Karla Eggelton said: “We thank our guests for their continued confidence, and we commend our tourism operators for their proactive response and community spirit during this time.”

“We acknowledge the update from Te Marae Ora (TMO) regarding the current dengue situation on Rarotonga. All reported cases have been mild and confined to residential areas.”

According to Eggelton, visitor accommodations – mostly coastal beachfront – are naturally less prone to mosquito activity, and the overall risk to travellers remains very low when standard precautions are followed.

“Our tourism industry has responded quickly and responsibly: properties are stepping up mosquito control, staff are involved in community clean-ups, and operators are actively supporting public awareness efforts in partnership with TMO,” she said.

“It is worth noting that dengue is affecting many countries across the Pacific. According to the latest World Health Organization regional update, the Cook Islands remains one of the better-contained locations, our case count remains modest, since January with just 17 cases to date – nine active and all mild – and no reported cases involving international visitors.

“We urge visitors to take simple preventative steps – use insect repellent, wear protective clothing during dawn and dusk, and ensure their accommodation has plug-in repellents or screened rooms. If symptomatic, get tested to be sure. These basic actions significantly reduce risk.”

Eggelton also said that access to accurate, relevant and timely information is important to stay abreast of the situation, and the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is supporting TMO efforts to provide visitor and industry-related information.

Meanwhile, Operation Namu, the island-wide clean-up campaign launched to target mosquito breeding sites, began on Friday last week.

It involved 190 participants from across the public and private sectors.

During the mass clean-up, TMO reported collecting the following amounts of waste:

• General waste: 1491kg
• Glass bottles: 1094kg
• Aluminium cans: 615kg
• Tin cans: 74kg
• Plastic bottles: 532.8kg

In addition, peri-focal and block spraying has been conducted around all identified case households. TMO is also planning further community cleaning efforts, including slashing and clearing streams.

Public awareness campaigns are underway to educate communities about eliminating mosquito breeding sites and recognising dengue symptoms early.

Enhanced surveillance continues with daily case monitoring and timely laboratory testing, the health ministry said.

TMO urges the public to: Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk; Seek immediate medical care if experiencing dengue-like symptoms; Keep surroundings clean and free of mosquito breeding sites; and use plug-in mosquito repellents at home or accommodation

Te Marae Ora says it remains committed to preventing further spread and asks for continued public cooperation.

“If you suspect you or a family member may have dengue, seek medical advice immediately.”

Also read:

> Tupapa hit hardest by dengue outbreak

> Communities unite for dengue clean-up across Rarotonga

> Dengue outbreak declared