As Te Maeva Nui and 60th anniversary preparations ramp up across the nation, health authorities are working around the clock to eliminate the threat of dengue fever ahead of the annual cultural celebration, with no new cases reported to date.

Secretary of Health Bob Williams confirmed to Cook Islands News that the country has recorded no new dengue cases since May 30.

“There has been no new case since the last update on 30 May 2025 with the last positive cases dated 22 May 2025 – so the last count was total 17 cases (in Rarotonga),” Williams said.

“I have not been informed of a new case. So the last one, as I believe, was on the 22nd. Since then, I have not been informed whether there’s been some new cases.”

With hundreds expected to descend on Rarotonga from across the Pa Enua for the nation’s 60^th Constitution celebrations, Williams stressed that the Ministry of Health Te Marae Ora is preparing a targeted response to ensure the safety of visiting delegations.

The estimated time of arrival for Pa Enua residents is July 14 with estimated departure to the Pa Enua from 7 August 2025. 

“We’re hoping that by then, the dengue has been eliminated. That’s the aim,” Williams said.

“But there is a team that we’re putting together to be stationed at the Tupapa Community Clinic to serve our people from the Pa Enua. So they don’t need to go to the hospital for any medical needs they want, unless it’s emergencies. The team will be close by to our people living around the hostels.

“We are hoping that by the time our people come from the Pa Enua, there will be no dengue here in Rarotonga.”

As part of ongoing efforts to stamp out the mosquito-borne virus, cleaning operations targeting overgrown land continue across Rarotonga.

“Cleaning work on overgrown lands continues with the objective to eliminate dengue as soon as practicable before Te Maeva Nui,” Williams said.

In Aitutaki, local leaders are also stepping up community efforts while preparing to travel to the capital island.

Mayor Nick Henry told Cook Islands News that while mosquito activity is typically lower during the cooler season, the risks remain real.

“All transmittable diseases are cause for concern and of course we will be taking all advised precautions. Fortunately, during cooler months mosquito activity drops quite dramatically,” Henry said.

He credited the swift action by Te Marae Ora and public awareness efforts as critical to keeping the Pa Enua dengue-free.

“TMO have taken precautions early in Rarotonga and with help from our national tourism office, I feel we have been responsible hosts to our visitors advising them of the risks and necessary measures they need to take.”

Henry acknowledged the heightened vulnerability of Aitutaki, the second most visited island after Rarotonga.

“Our Public Health response to act early has prevented transmission to the Pa Enua and of course to protect our families on Rarotonga. Aitutaki as the second most visited island faces a higher risk than other Pa Enua, however, I am confident should dengue reach our shores our Public Health team are equipped to react swiftly and as a community we will help to isolate any positive cases.”

Although no specific travel measures have yet been imposed, Aitutaki’s communities have already launched pre-emptive anti-dengue activities.

“We have already started our own Operation Namu preparation in Aitutaki with each village ensuring public areas are clear of mosquito breeding sites and those areas prone to flooding are being monitored and some have already been sprayed to kill mosquito larvae.”

With more than six weeks until Te Maeva Nui, Henry said he is confident in the leadership of national health authorities.

“Te Maeva Nui is over six weeks away, I am certain our Health Secretary will provide all Pa Enua teams with best advice should the risk of dengue still prevail. Mr Bob Williams has all of our health interests as a priority, I am certain he will ensure health decisions prevail over a desire to celebrate our 60^th Anniversary.”

The focus for performers remains on the celebration itself, not the virus, according to the Aitutaki mayor.

“Currently, dengue is not top of mind for our performers. We are focused on getting our costumes ready, practicing our songs and dance items so we can commemorate a very special 60 years together. We are excited and looking forward to celebrating with families from all our islands,” Henry said.