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By Losirene Lacanivalu, Cook Islands News
With one imported case of dengue reported earlier this month in Rarotonga, Ministry of Health secretary Bob Williams has confirmed that there are now another three cases.
The first case is believed to have contracted the virus while on travel.
"There are four confirmed cases on Rarotonga with no hospitalisation," Williams said.
He said that a declaration of an outbreak would follow World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines.
"And if the minimum number of confirmed cases meets the requirement - will certainly issue a declaration."
He confirmed that there is a response plan being developed and to be mobilised once a declaration is made.
"The Incident Management System (IMS) Team consisting of key agencies of government, NGO's and Puna Teams have been kept abreast of the situation," Williams said.
He had earlier said that the Health Protection team at Public Health has a dedicated vector unit that conducts regular monitoring of the local mosquito population and maintains a regular spraying programme.
"We have joint initiatives with external stakeholders on technical training, insecticide resistance testing and entomology lab techniques."
Earlier this week, Cook Islands News was informed that the Airport Authority Staff were advised by the Health Ministry on the number of dengue cases confirmed and the need to be vigilant in heeding warnings and taking preventative measures.
The last dengue outbreak in the Cook Islands was declared in 2019 after several dengue cases were confirmed.
Williams had earlier said that the last dengue outbreak in the Cook Islands ended in 2021 and, "since then our efforts in preventing a dengue outbreak have been successful".
"Monitoring the region on their outbreaks and informing travellers of the health risks is a measure we take to minimise the importation of dengue (or any disease)."
According to WHO, the guidelines for declaring a dengue outbreak involve factors, including a rise in cases, a significant increase in the number of cases compared to previous periods, and confirmation of the dengue virus through laboratory testing.
In the first case, Williams said the imported case, meaning the person had been infected overseas, the symptoms did not present until the person was back in the Cook Islands.
But quick notification triggered health protocols for positive dengue cases, where they monitored the case and their contacts and conducted perifocal spraying to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes in the area, and those that may be breeding in non-potable water containers.
The common signs and symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and pain behind the eyes.
If you feel one or more of these symptoms, please visit the outpatient for a check-up or call 29110.
Severe dengue symptoms include rash, mild bleeding in the nose or gums, and easy bruising. If left untreated, severe dengue can cause internal bleeding or even death.
The Health Ministry has advised the public to keep homes safe and mosquito free; clean in and around homes, empty out anything that holds stagnant water, wear long sleeved clothing when outdoors wherever possible, use mosquito repellent and use mosquito netting over beds if the bedroom is not air conditioned or screened.
-This article was first published by Cook Islands News.
