15 Feb 2019

Mosquito hunt boost after rain in Cook Islands

4:12 pm on 15 February 2019

Heavy rain in the Cook Islands has prompted the Ministry of Health to boost its surveillance of mosquito breeding places.

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Photo: lamyai/123RF

One case of dengue, the viral illness transmitted by aedes mosquitos, was identified last week, according to the Cook Islands News.

Health Protection Officer, Claytoncy Taurarii, said a Vector Control Team had been checking traps weekly around Rarotonga airport, Avatiu harbour and Rarotonga Hospital.

The Ministry was working with partners to try and eliminate the aedes mosquitos, she said.

Symptoms of dengue include sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, as well as nausea, vomiting and sometimes a skin rash.

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