Cook Islands Also Declares Dengue Outbreak in the Pacific Ocean

The Cook Islands in the South Pacific Ocean recently confirmed it is also experiencing a dengue fever outbreak in May 2025.

On May 22, 2025, the Ministry of Health officially declared a dengue fever outbreak in Rarotonga, a city with a population of 10,000, following the confirmation of seven cases over the past 18 days.

Since February, a total of 11 isolated cases have been reported.

The Ministry confirmed there are no dengue cases in the Pa Enua.

Bob Williams, Secretary of Health, commented in a media release, “We urge everyone to help stop the spread of dengue in our communities. By working together, we can protect our families and prevent dengue from reaching the Pa Enua."

"Let’s take action now.”

The Cook Islands Government has recently announced $4.1 million in funding to bring Pa Enua residents to Rarotonga in July for the 2025 Te Maeva Nui celebrations, which will take place from July 25 to August 5 this year.

All clinics and health facilities in the Cook Islands remain on alert and are well-equipped to manage any further cases, says the Ministry.

The World Health Organization and regional health partners have been informed, and no travel restrictions have been issued; however, travelers are advised to take precautions.

When the U.S. CDC updated its Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions, Dengue Travel Health Advisory on May 22, 2025, it did not list the Cook Islands. The CDC identified Fiji, French Polynesia, and the Philippines.

The CDC recommends several routine and travel vaccines for visitors to the Cook Islands, but not the new dengue vaccine.