12 February 2026 (CKT)
It has been 7 days since the activation of Operation Namu26, and TMO is actively tracking the execution of the operation across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Mangaia. Secretary of Health, Mr. Bob Williams, and his TMO team have been encouraged by the spirit of togetherness and commitment across government ministries, Members of Parliament, Rarotonga Puna Leads, Pa Enua Mayors and Executive Officers, the tourism industry, NGOs, the private sector, and most importantly, the community, as we unite to end the dengue outbreak.
Island Clean-Up – Friday 13 February 2026
Supported by the Government, a coordinated island clean-up will take place across all five islands, noting that some Pa Enua have already proactively implemented their island response. The Office of the Public Service Commissioner has approved the release of public servants to support this island clean-up.
Rarotonga
Over the past 7 days, Cook Islands Tourism has proactively engaged with key sectors of the community, including setting up repellent spraying stations at the Rarotonga airport and selected churches. Support will continue this Sunday for churches that have not yet received their dengue prevention packs. Engagement with the tourism industry and private sector continues to support the collective effort to end the outbreak.
The Cook Islands Red Cross Society, in collaboration with TMO, has commenced distributing dengue prevention packs to identified families on Rarotonga and has coordinated with Pa Enua for distribution to families on outer islands.
Following the Operation Namu26 briefing on Tuesday 10 February 2026 at the MOCD Dome, Members of Parliament and Puna Leads have organized committee and community meetings to plan for the island clean-up and subsequent activities targeting identified dengue hotspot areas.
Puna Leads and volunteers, in collaboration with TMO, have intensified community and household spraying over the past week. Each Puna has established volunteer groups, supported by dedicated TMO spraying teams for the next two months. Mosquito larvae and adult surveillance have been intensified and will continue throughout Operation Namu26.
Aitutaki
The Island Government, TMO, public servants, and the island community will conduct their island clean-up on Friday 13 February, as approved under the Operation Namu26 plan. Peri-focal, community, and indoor residual spraying coverage has increased, along with intensified mosquito larvae surveillance. Slashing of overgrown lands will continue next week.
Atiu
On Wednesday 11 February 2026, the Island Government and TMO commenced their slashing program for overgrown lands, as approved under the Operation Namu26 plan. The island clean-up will take place on Friday 13 February, with increased peri-focal and community spraying and ongoing mosquito surveillance.
Mauke
The Island Government, TMO, and the community completed their annual island clean-up last week, and the Operation Namu26 island clean-up is underway as of Thursday 12 February 2026. Peri-focal spraying for positive cases continues, and community spraying will commence this weekend. Mosquito larvae surveillance has also begun.
Mangaia
The Island Government, TMO, and the community conclude their planned island clean-up today after a period of two weeks. Peri-focal and community spraying has increased, and mosquito larvae surveillance is ongoing.
Te Marae Ora will issue weekly media updates on Operation Namu26 over the initial 30-day operational period.
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