25 May 2026 (CKT)
Today, Monday 25 May 2026, the Secretary of Health declares the Cook Islands Dengue Free after 26 days since the last positive dengue cases on 28 April 2026. Subsequent to standing down Operation Namu26 on 24 April 2026 when the outbreak was brought under control, TMO continued to monitor the situation, and from the 29 April to 24 May 2026, there has been no recorded cases. The 26 days represents just over two incubation periods with no reported case which meets the international standard to declare the outbreak being eliminated and the Cook Islands once again regaining its dengue free status.
Minister for Health Hon. Vainetutai Rose Toki Brown, the Cook Islands Government and Te Marae Ora once again extends its congratulatory appreciation to the people of the Cook Islands, Members of Parliaments, all government ministries and agencies, the Pa Enua Island Governments, NGO’s, private sector organisations, the tourism industry, and in particular all the Puna on Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke and Mangaia, the Cook Islands Red Cross Society, Tourism Cook Islands, Ministry of Agriculture, Infrastructure Cook Islands, Environment Services, Emergency Management Cook Islands, the Office of the Public Service Commissioner and the Ministry of Finance for the Cook Islands spirit of cooperation that as one people, and together as a nation that we have successfully regained our dengue free Cook Islands status.
Te Marae Ora acknowledges the long standing support of the members on the Incident Management Team since standing up the IMS Team on 23 April 2025, and declaring the outbreak on 22 May 2025 with the immediate mobilisation of Operation Namu25. The outbreak continued into 2026 when Operation Namu26 was launched on 13 February 2026. After a year of dedication and commitment with a clear objective to bring the outbreak under control and to eliminate, is the collective outcome we celebrate today. TMO and the Cook Islands Government also acknowledges the support from the Office of the New Zealand High Commissioner during the mobilisation of Operation Namu25.
Since declaring the outbreak, the Cook Islands recorded a total of 1,251 cases with 1,250 full recovery and 1 dengue related death.
TMO encourages everyone to continue with current efforts by ensuring that homes, businesses and vacant lands are clean and free of mosquito breeding areas. TMO surveillance will continue and the normal Tutaka Program for the remainder of the year will supplement the monitoring process of our dengue free status.
ENDS.