Dengue cases surge in Cook Islands as Health NZ warns Kiwi travellers

Someone else at the resort where Nicholson stayed also had dengue fever confirmed.

“When I got home, I was feeling under the weather, so I got a blood test,” he said.

“I couldn’t really enjoy the last four days of the holiday.

“It takes it out of you; I was feeling very sorry for myself.”

Dengue is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.

Health NZ says it can be life threatening. People who have previously been infected are at an increased risk of developing severe dengue if they contract the virus again.

Symptoms can also include intense headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and a fine rash.

Several Pacific countries are currently reporting increased dengue activity, according to Safe Travel, the Government website that provides travel advisories and safety information for New Zealanders overseas.

Health NZ is urging Kiwi travellers to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes that spread dengue fever, especially in the Cook Islands.

The Cook Islands has been particularly affected, with more than 500 cases reported since the outbreak began on May 22, 2025.

Other Pacific countries experiencing an increase in dengue cases include Samoa, Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati and American Samoa.

Dr Matt Reid, a public health medicine specialist for the National Public Health Service, said the outbreaks had driven an increased number of cases in New Zealand, with 86 people contracting the disease.

Of the 86 cases, 75 were associated with travel to the Cook Islands, including three from Northland.

The 11 other cases had travelled to other areas where there are dengue outbreaks or dengue is endemic, including Indonesia and the Philippines.

“These cases have been continuing to grow week on week,” Dr Reid said.

He urged people to get medical advice quickly if they had symptoms.

“It’s important that people travelling to these areas where dengue is widespread … take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and follow local public health advice.

“People over 60 years old and children aged 10 and under are also at greater risk of severe illness from dengue.”

Dr Reid said New Zealand did not have mosquitoes able to transmit dengue. While people can’t catch it from another person, they can get it from infected mosquitoes in an area or region that has dengue.

There is no available vaccine in New Zealand.

Many people will only have mild symptoms, but a small number may get severe dengue and need hospital care.

Nicholson said he knew about dengue but didn’t know about the outbreak in Rarotonga until he contracted it.

Although the resort had insect screens and he used a bit of repellent, he didn’t use a lot because he doesn’t usually get bitten.

Nicholson said he would “definitely” go back to Rarotonga but “I’d just mozzie repellent up and be aware of it.”

If you feel sick in the first three weeks after returning home from a country that has dengue, seek advice from your healthcare provider or call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116. Tell them about your symptoms and recent travel.

How to protect yourself from dengue

Sleep in well-screened locations or under mosquito nets Keep screens on doors and windows closed when indoors Wear light-coloured protective clothing, including hats, long sleeves and trousers when outdoors Wear repellent cream or spray containing diethyltoluamide (deet) when outdoors Avoid places where mosquitoes are most active, such as swampy areas or places with standing water.

Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.