There are no travel restrictions in place. The Cook Islands remains an open destination for visitors.

Health authorities and WHO have not advised cancelling travel. Come as planned—just follow bite-prevention steps.

At present no additional entry or exit measures (temperature checks, health cards) have been announced. Normal immigration rules apply. Travellers are encouraged to self-monitor and seek care if symptoms develop.

• Repellent with ≥30 % DEET, picaridin or IR3535
• Lightweight long-sleeve tops & trousers
• Plug-in or coil insecticides for rooms
• Paracetamol (avoid ibuprofen/aspirin)
• Travel-insurance details.

Good brands of repellent are sold in local stores and pharmacies on Rarotonga if you run out.

Yes—Airlines allow up to 100 ml per container in carry-on and larger sizes (≤500 ml) in checked bags, provided caps are secure. Aerosols must have a protective lid.

Absolutely. Wear repellent, re-apply after swimming, and pack a long-sleeve layer for early-morning lagoon tours or late-afternoon hikes.

No. All regular events including the Punanga Nui Saturday market and the evening Muri Night Markets continue to operate on their usual schedules. If there are any updates, these will be communicated on their respective social media channels.

Rest, drink plenty of fluids, take paracetamol, then call Healthline (+682 20066) or visit Tupapa Clinic / Rarotonga Hospital, or consult a private practice, on the same day. Early assessment can prevent complications. Prior to travelling discuss with your GP any underlying conditions that may complicate your health situation if you contract dengue.

Tupapa Clinic, Avarua
8 am - 4 pm daily
☎ +682 20066 / 20065

After Hours / Emergency – Rarotonga Hospital
Sanatorium Rd, Nikao, Open 24/7
☎ +682 22664

Holistic Medical
First Building behind Empire Cinema
Avarua, Rarotonga
8am - 4pm (Mon-Fri), 8am - 12pm (Sat)
☎ +682 23860

Rarotonga Medical Center
Second Building behind Empire Cinema
Avarua, Rarotonga
8:30am - 4:30pm (Mon-Fri), 8:30am - 12pm (Sat)
☎ +682 23229

Dr Teariki Uka Practice
Across from Pacific Resort Rarotonga
Muri
8am - 4pm (Mon-Fri), 8am - 12pm (Sat)
☎ +682 23680

Through the Tupapa Clinic and Rarotonga Hospital the cost is approx. $40 for a Consultation, and $20 for a Lab dengue test. Private Medical practices may differ.

Yes—repellents, coils and plug-ins are stocked in supermarkets, pharmacies and hardware stores; most resorts supply nets or have screened/air-conditioned rooms.

For more details or if you have concerns, please contact:

Public Health Office: +682 29110
Tupapa Primary Health Care: +682 20065 or +682 20066
Website: www.health.gov.ck
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CookIslandsHealth

After Operation Namu25, the government has now launched Operation Namu26: intensified surveillance, island-wide clean-ups, and targeted spraying around case households and public spaces. Punas (Village Clinics) are on alert. You may notice vector-control teams or village clean-ups during your stay.

For information on pesticide ingredients, please see the fact sheet provided by Ministry of Health here.

High fever, severe headache (especially behind the eyes), joint/muscle pain, nausea/vomiting, rash. Seek care quickly if you notice abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or any bleeding, as these signal severe dengue.

The Cook Islands Hospitals and Clinics are on alert and prepared for dengue care (There are no specific medications to cure it) —treatment is rest, hydration and paracetamol for pain. In severe cases, you will be stabilised locally, with NZ med-evac available if ever required. Always carry comprehensive travel insurance.

There are confirmed cases on Rarotonga and the outer islands (Pa Enua) including Atiu, Aitutaki, Mangaia and Mauke.

Yes, just pack repellent and use the same precautions there. Inter-island flights operate as usual.

Yes, domestic flights are being sprayed before departure to the outer islands. Dengue is spread to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Aircraft spraying is a preventative measure to reduce the chance of mosquitoes travelling between islands on planes. This helps protect outer islands communities by limiting the movement of mosquitoes that could introduce or amplify dengue transmission.

Risk is highest wherever mosquitoes breed—stagnant water, lush gardens, so use precautions.

TMO posts updates weekly on the following channels:

Website: www.health.gov.ck

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CookIslandsHealth

A viral illness spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes. Most infections cause a flu-like fever, headache, eye-socket pain, muscle/joint aches, nausea and a rash; a small proportion progress to severe dengue, which needs hospital care. There is no specific medication to cure dengue—treatment is rest, hydration and paracetamol for pain.

Currently in the Cook Islands we have serotype DENV-1 circulating, however in early 2025 we did have 3 cases of DENV-2.

With a blood test.

• Apply a repellent with DEET (≥30 %), picaridin or IR3535 on exposed skin.
• Wear long sleeves & trousers, especially early morning and late afternoon when the Aedes mosquito is most active.
• Ensure your room has screens or air-con, and use a bed net for daytime naps.
• Tip out or cover any standing water around your villa or rental.

If you are bitten by an infected mosquito and symptoms occur, they usually begin 4–10 days after the bite and can last for 2–7 days.

No, you can’t pass it directly person-to-person, but for about 4–5 days while you have your fever, a mosquito that bites you, can pick up the virus and then bite someone else and infect them.

Yes, since there are four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). Infection with one serotype provides immunity only to that specific type, leaving individuals susceptible to the other three.

The aedes aegypti mosquito, that when infected can carry dengue, bites mainly in daylight hours, peaking around dawn and dusk (it is a “day-biter”).

Infants, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and pregnant women can develop more serious dengue. They should be especially diligent with bite prevention and seek early care.

Yes, dengue can have harmful effects during pregnancy for both the mother and the unborn baby. If pregnant and experiencing a fever or dengue-like symptoms, seek medical care immediately.

Use insect repellent safely and appropriately for their age. For babies over 2 months, choose a repellent with up to 30% DEET or a child-friendly option like picaridin. Avoid applying repellent to their hands, face, or broken skin. Instead, apply it to your own hands first, then gently rub it on them. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is only suitable for children aged 3 years and older. For babies under 2 months, rely on protective clothing and mosquito nets. Always wash repellent off once indoors.

Yes. Aedes aegypti is a day-biter that peaks at dawn and late afternoon, though protection is wise any time the sun is up.

No locally acquired Zika, chikungunya, or malaria have been reported since 2017. Dengue is the only mosquito-borne threat at present, but the same daytime-bite precautions cover all Aedes-borne viruses.

There are no documented cases of domestic animals like dogs and cats contracting dengue. In almost all instances, the chain is strictly human → Aedes mosquito → human. The World Health Organization (WHO) and recent systematic reviews agree that animals are, at best, incidental “dead-end” hosts.