A dengue outbreak has been declared in Rarotonga by Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health after the number of locally acquired cases reached seven, prompting an island-wide clean-up effort to control the spread.

In a statement yesterday, TMO confirmed two new cases, bringing the total number of locally acquired dengue cases to seven.

Dengue fever cases remain limited to Rarotonga, with no reported cases in the Pa Enua, TMO said.

Since February, Rarotonga has recorded 11 isolated cases. The seven cases in the last 18 days have broken the outbreak threshold for Rarotonga, according to the health ministry.

At a press conference on Monday, TMO activated Operation Namu 2025 after confirming four recent dengue cases of both types 1 and 2 (DENV-1 and DENV-2) in Rarotonga.

Acting Secretary of Health, Dr TeAriki Faireka, who is also the director of primary care, then explained that an outbreak is defined as five or more positive cases within a 15-day period.

Dr Faireka said he was confident the health ministry would be ready and able to handle the cases.

Bob Williams, Secretary for Health, yesterday urged everyone to help stop the spread of dengue in the communities.

“By working together, we can protect our families and prevent dengue from reaching the Pa Enua. Let’s take action now,” Williams said.

To stop the spread of dengue, the Government activated Operation Namu25, which includes community clean up across Rarotonga today and vector control and spraying around areas with confirmed cases. TMO has not publicly revealed the areas with confirmed cases.

The Government through TMO has also begun coordination with Pa Enua Island Governments to stay dengue-free.

“Island councils, Puna leads EMCI, and government agencies are working together to support this national effort. Pa Enua communities are also preparing their own local response,” TMO said in a statement.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and regional health partners have also been informed and there are no travel restrictions, but travellers are advised to take precautions.

In Rarotonga, TMO and Puna leaders will lead the island-wide clean-up campaign from 8am to 12pm today to help reduce mosquito-breeding sites and prevent the spread of dengue fever.

Cook Islands Tourism has also reached out to accommodation providers around the island to take part in the coordinated island-wide Tūtaka (clean-up) effort.

Tourism has requested those who have beach properties to focus their clean-up efforts along the beachside areas.

The 10th Rising Stars Championship, which was scheduled to start today, has also been postponed due to the dengue outbreak.

According tournament director Jackie Rongo: “In light of the recent dengue fever outbreak on Rarotonga, MOE (Education) has advised that Operation Namu will commence this week. As a result, the Rising Stars Championship for netball, rugby and volleyball has been postponed to kick off next week. Please support your child's school in clean-up efforts where possible to minimise the spread of dengue fever.”

Te Marae Ora last declared an outbreak of Dengue Type 1 (DENV-1) on 27 February 2019. As of November 2020, there have been over 300 dengue cases since 2019, with more than 190 new cases reported since January 2020. No deaths have been related to dengue.

What to know about dengue:

The Aedes Aegypti mosquito spreads dengue. It cases symptoms such as:

• High fever
• Severe headaches
• Joint and muscle pain
• Skin rash
• In rare cases, serious illness requiring hospital care
• The mosquito is most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Recent rain and humidity have increased mosquito activity.

How you can help

Tip it. Cover it. Clear it.

1. Tip it – empty water from buckets, pot plants, tires or coconut shells

2. Cover it – seal or cover containers to keep mosquitoes from laying eggs or from water building up on the inside

3. Clear it – remove rubbish from your property that can collect rainwater.

TMO also encourages everyone to apply insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and use mosquito screens where possible.

• Please seek medical care if you have any of the following symptoms:
• High fever
• Headache or pain behind the eyes
• Muscle or joint aches
• Skin rash