Dengue Outbreak 2025 - 2026

Information and FAQs

On 22 May 2025 Te Marae Ora (TMO) – Ministry of Health officially declared a dengue fever outbreak in Rarotonga.

TMO continues to manage the current dengue situation effectively with:

- Vector control measures
- For all identified cases, peri focal and block spraying is carried out around their household.
- Public awareness campaigns, focusing on eliminating mosquito breeding sites and recognising dengue symptoms early.
- Enhanced surveillance, with daily case monitoring and timely laboratory confirmation.

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a viral illness spread by Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are active during the daytime, especially early morning and late afternoon. Dengue is common in tropical and subtropical regions, including the Pacific.

There are four dengue virus types (DENV-1 to DENV-4). A person can be infected more than once. A second infection with a different type can increase the risk of severe illness.

How Dengue Spreads

Dengue spreads only through the bite of an infected mosquito
It does not spread person to person
Mosquitoes breed in standing water around homes and communities

Symptoms

Most people with dengue have mild or no symptoms and will get better in 1–2 weeks. Rarely, dengue can be severe and lead to death.

If symptoms occur, they usually begin 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days. Symptoms may include:

high fever (40°C/104°F)
severe headache
pain behind the eyes
muscle and joint pains
nausea
vomiting
swollen glands
rash.

Individuals who are infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue. The symptoms of severe dengue often come after the fever has gone away and may include:

severe abdominal pain
persistent vomiting
rapid breathing
bleeding gums or nose
fatigue
restlessness
blood in vomit or stool
being very thirsty
pale and cold skin
feeling weak.

People with these severe symptoms should seek care immediately.

After recovery, people who have had dengue may experience fatigue for several weeks.

Operation Namu 2025

Operation Namu was implemented as a key vector control response to the dengue situation affecting Rarotonga. On 23 May 2025, an island-wide clean-up was carried out under Operation Namu, with 190 participants registered from both government and private sector organisations. The activity focused on removing potential mosquito breeding sites and reducing environmental risks associated with dengue transmission.

For all confirmed dengue cases, peri-focal and block spraying was conducted around affected households as part of Operation Namu to suppress mosquito populations and prevent further spread. Additional environmental management actions were undertaken and planned, including slashing and clearing of streams, to further reduce mosquito habitats across the community.

FAQs

What is dengue?

Dengue is a viral illness spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. These mosquitoes usually bite during the daytime, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.