Dengue fever

Hi everyone

My family and I are considering of travelling to the Cook Islands (6 days in Rarotonga and 7 days in Aitutaki). While doing some research we read about the 3 reported cases of Dengue fever in May. I have been trying to find out whether there have been any other cases or if those 3 were the only ones, but I don't seem to find anything on the web.

I know mosquito repellents are the only way to go etc. and as we will be travelling with our 2 young children (5 and 2) who do get bitten more than us, we do worry more than "usual". We would be going at the end of September/beginning of October.

My questions are:

1. any more cases of dengue after the first 3 reported in May?

2. how likely are we to have rainy/"mosquito" weather in Sept/Oct?

3. is the period in general a good time to go?

Thank you all very much!!!

i hope to go to Raratunga soon but am worried about dengue as I'm allergic to mozquitos. So i am interested in the story on this.

Thankyou

1. 3 patients only - no further confirmed cases inspite of ongoing screening (of suspected carriers) followed by repeated lab testing.

2. September/October is Spring, it may be showery or it may remain dry this year. Same time last year experienced a long drought period. Aitutaki receives less precipitation per annum compared to the high island capital of Rarotonga.

3. Spring is an excellent season due to mild temperatures, low humidity, little rain, spring flowers, clear skies. Possibly cool SE breezes which affect Muri and Titikaveka areas. Breezes disrupt mossies from successfully landing/settling onto humans. Mossie breeding dies down over winter (more so when it's cold). The health spraying program has covered all potential breeding sites around the commercial residential areas of Rarotonga centred close to the airport. None of the 3 confirmed cases were present on Aitutaki at all.

Regarding repellants/deterrants - avoid using any DEET products on young children. Source natural remedies sold in health food stores. Alternatively use a mix of diluted dettol and baby-oil/coconut oil spread over exposed skin. And dab Vicks vaporub onto feet and chest. Wear long loose fitting light/white coloured clothing; and especially cover up around dawn & dusk. Cover sleeping children with cotton sheet at least. Enquire about insect screening at your planned accommodation. Burn citronella candles. Take plugin devices with you. Check around accommodation for pot-plants containing drip trays/saucers & remove. Stay away from bushy overgrowth inland and use mossie protection when venturing up to the waterfall on Rarotonga, or the Marae sites on Aitutaki.

Aitutaki is especially beautiful with its magnificent lagoon area and languid pace of life. Rarotonga is lovely and retains a mix of activities alongside its sandy beaches, and commercial facilities. From years of experience, I much prefer this time of year to travel to the Cook Islands if possible. Due somewhat to the prevailing weather over Spring but also because tropical flowers burst into blossom during this season. Nothing beats the fragrance of receiving an 'ei of fresh floral garlands and which is customary when arriving into the Cook Islands, or Tahiti.

All the best for a happy family holiday.

Thankyou lagoon. So no worries.

Might go at end of year to canoe races.

Dengue is fairly much everywhere in the tropics these days (including the tropical parts of Australia) so no one can make any guarantees about your risk when you choose to travel to such places. Three confirmed cases would be considered very low though! On the other hand it is hard to test for dengue cases. The only test requires significant numbers of antibodies to be present for detection (people in the early stages could test negative). Diagnosis is generally made from dropped platelet levels in the blood, but people with a mild case of dengue may not go for testing because they assume they just have the flu. The important thing with dengue is to go for a blood test early if you develop any suspected symptoms (even if you are back home, ask to be checked for dengue) - and protect against mosquitoes as much as you can.

You are less likely to contract Dengue on the outer islands of the Cooks compared to your exposure on Rarotonga. The Cooks go for long periods of time with no reported Dengue cases. The infections are brought in from other countries via human carriers. The mosquitoes that carry the disease are always present, even on the outer islands.

An infected human can transmit the Dengue virus (via mosquitoes) for up to 12 days of the first symptoms. An infected mosquito carries it for life. Fortunately they don't live long and they don't transmit it directly to other mosquitoes.

I don't know this for sure, but I've been told that the Dengue mosquito is active for only an hour or so around dawn and dusk.

That is the period of peak activity, but they bite through-out the day as well.