Disease alert for popular tourist hotspot
Cook Islands – a popular travel spot for Australians – is warning travellers to take precautions after seven cases of dengue fever prompted a health emergency.
The Cook Islands Health Ministry confirmed two cases of illness last week, taking to seven cases reported within a 18-day span.
The cases are currently confined to the isle of Rarotonga, and measures are being taken to prevent its spread to the outer islands of Pa Enua.
Health authorities have launched Operation Namu25 as a comprehensive initiative to clear mosquito breeding grounds and prevent the transmission of the fever.
Certain species of mosquito – the Aedes aegypti – primarily transport the dengue infection.
The symptoms of the mosquito-borne viral infection include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and skin rashes.
In more fatal cases, it can lead to serious health complications that require hospitalisation.
Most cases of dengue fever enter Australia through travellers, who are advised to use insect repellent while in the Pacific Islands and seek medical attention if they notice any symptoms
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