Photo: GettyThe Cook Islands has reported its first dengue-related death, amid a significant increase in cases, and reminders to tourists to stay safe. The Cook Islands declared a dengue outbreak in May 2025, and more than 500 cases have been recorded there since. In New Zealand, 86 people had been reported to have contracted dengue, with 75 of those cases connected to travel to the Cook Islands. There had been "a significant increase in dengue cases on Rarotonga at the end of December 2025, and again at the end of January 2026", the Cook Islands health ministry said. "If you aren't improving or concerned, you should seek medical attention, especially if you think you have dengue fever after returning from the islands," Heather said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 07, 2026 22:26 UTC