Overview

• The Cook Islands Ministry of Health confirmed seven dengue cases over an 18-day span and officially declared an outbreak on Rarotonga
• So far all infections remain on Rarotonga with no cases reported on the Pa Enua outer islands
• Operation Namu25 mobilizes teams to clear stagnant water and insect habitats to curb Aedes aegypti mosquito populations
• Australia has issued a travel advisory urging visitors to the Cook Islands to use insect repellent and take precautions against mosquito bites
• Dengue fever symptoms include high fever, severe headaches and joint pain and most patients recover within a week though severe cases can require hospitalization