Dengue Fever Outbreak in the Cook Islands - Travellers Info
(August 2025 Update)
If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and warm island hospitality, the Cook Islands are probably high on your travel list. But before you pack your bags for Rarotonga or the outer islands, there’s one health update you should know about – dengue fever.
What’s Happening?
Back in late May 2025, the Cook Islands Ministry of Health (Te Marae Ora) declared a dengue fever outbreak on Rarotonga after confirming several locally transmitted cases. Since then, health authorities have been working hard to control mosquito numbers through an island-wide clean-up and spraying campaign called Operation Namu 25.
The outbreak is still active.
As of 18 July 2025:
67 total cases have been confirmed since February
16 cases are currently active
All cases have been on Rarotonga – there are no active cases in the outer islands (Pa Enua)
(Te Marae Ora – Cook Islands Ministry of Health, 2025)
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It can cause:
High fever
Severe headache
Pain behind the eyes
Muscle and joint pain
Rash
Nausea and vomiting
Most people recover in about a week, but in rare cases it can become more serious. There is currently no specific treatment – rest, fluids, and medical care are key.
(World Health Organization, 2024)
Should I Cancel My Trip?
For most travellers, the risk is considered low – especially if you’re staying in coastal resorts or accommodation with good mosquito control measures. Health authorities in the Cook Islands are not discouraging travel, but they are urging visitors to take precautions.
(Cook Islands News, 2025)
How to Protect Yourself
The best protection against dengue is avoiding mosquito bites:
Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Wear a mosquito repellent bracelet – our all-natural, DEET-free, chemical-free bracelet offers stylish, long-lasting protection and is perfect for travellers who want to stay bite-free without harsh sprays.
Wear light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs – especially at dawn and dusk.
Stay in accommodation with screens, air-conditioning, or mosquito nets.
Empty standing water around your accommodation (if staying long-term), as it’s a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The Bottom Line
The Cook Islands are still very much open for visitors, but if you’re heading to Rarotonga, pack your insect repellent (and your mosquito repellent bracelet!) alongside your sunscreen. With sensible precautions, you can enjoy your holiday while reducing your risk of dengue fever.
References
Te Marae Ora – Cook Islands Ministry of Health. (2025). Dengue status update – 21. Retrieved August 2025 from https://www.health.gov.ck/dengue-status-update-21/
Cook Islands News. (2025, May 29). Dengue cases climb to 17 in Rarotonga but tourist risk remains low. Retrieved August 2025 from https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/health/dengue-cases-climb-to-17-in-rarotonga-but-tourist-risk-remains-low/
World Health Organization. (2024). Dengue and severe dengue. Retrieved August 2025 from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue