Kiwis travelling to the Cook Islands can expect temperature checks and bug-spraying stations on arrival, as the fight against dengue fever ramps up - after the country reported its first dengue-related death.
The island nation’s Ministry of Health, known as Te Marae Ora, has confirmed that an elderly member of the public succumbed to the virus last week after presenting “late” to a local hospital.
Secretary of Health Bob Williams said the patient was a local who also had underlying medical conditions.
“This was a very unfortunate incident and Te Marae Ora extends its sincere condolences to the family,” he said.
Health authorities have been carrying out fumigation efforts and clean-up campaigns around the small island nation since an official outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus was declared last May.
Williams said their response has now moved from a general dengue awareness messaging campaign to a more visible and proactive prevention effort for residents and visitors.
That includes repellent-spraying stations set up at the main international arrivals hub - Rarotonga International Airport - and domestic departure areas.
“Temperature screening for international arrivals has been intensified,” the health ministry said.
Dengue fever, or break-bone fever, is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. Symptoms include sudden high fever, intensely sore joints and muscles, pain behind the eyes, a rash, bleeding gums and vomiting blood.
In more severe cases, death can occur.
Health NZ Te Whatu Ora said that of the dozens of people who have caught dengue fever after trips to the Pacific in the last few weeks, the majority had been to the Cook Islands.
A total of 40 suspected cases of dengue fever had been reported in visitors returning from the Cook Islands in recent figures, RNZ Pacific reported.
New Zealand’s SafeTravel website is urging Kiwis due to travel to the Pacific region to take extra precautions, including using insect repellents with the active ingredient DEET and wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs at night.
Other preventive measures include using mosquito-repelling coils at night and sleeping with a mosquito net.
“These products can be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
“Always check the product instructions before using - especially for infants.”
Travellers are also strongly encouraged to consider comprehensive travel insurance in case a medical evacuation by air is needed.
In Samoa, the death of a 7-month-old baby girl has been a tragic reminder of how the virus can turn deadly - with the infant’s death bringing the death toll to eight since an outbreak was declared last April.
Samoan health officials said in the week between January 26 and February 2, 56 new cases of dengue fever were reported - with 11 new hospital admissions.
“These patients are being carefully monitored and none are in the intensive care unit. During this period, there was one death - the seven-month-old baby...” the Ministry of Health said in a statement.
Last month saw a particular increase in people turning up to health facilities with dengue-like symptoms.
“The dengue virus remains active and it is important for everyone to continue practising preventative measures.”
Locals are being reminded to reduce mosquito-breeding sites around homes and villages by regularly cleaning around their homes and schools; and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
The current heavy rainfall and high winds are also adding to the situation.
“The public is reminded to be patient and persistent with cleaning and mosquito prevention measures during this season.”
Vaimoana Mase is the Pasifika editor for the Herald’s Talanoa section, sharing stories from the Pacific community. She won junior reporter of the year at the then Qantas Media Awards in 2010 and won the best opinion writing award at the 2023 Voyager Media Awards.