A dengue fever outbreak has been officially declared in the Cook Islands, a popular destination for Australian tourists. The Ministry of Health reported that there have been seven confirmed cases of the disease within the last 18 days, all concentrated on the main island of Rarotonga, with no occurrences on the surrounding Pa Enua islands.
In response to the outbreak, the Australian government is advising travellers to take precautions against mosquito bites, including the use of insect repellent. Dengue fever is transmitted by specific types of mosquitoes and is most frequently brought into Australia by returning travellers; infected individuals can inadvertently infect local mosquito populations.
Australia’s outbreaks are primarily found in northern Queensland, where the virus also remains a significant public health concern. Symptoms of dengue fever can vary widely, including sudden fever, headaches, chills, swollen glands, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and rashes. While most cases resolve within a week, some may require hospitalisation, and severe cases can sometimes be fatal.
Individuals experiencing symptoms are urged to seek medical advice, and those in Australia should contact emergency services if feeling extremely unwell. Additionally, it is advisable for travellers to stay well-informed about health advisories related to their destinations, particularly at the Smartraveller website.