By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

In a follow-up to the dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) outbreak in the Cook Islands, as of February 12, 30 probable and confirmed cases have been reported.

Aedes aegypti
Image/CDC

Twelve people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

Aimed at halting the current dengue outbreak on Rarotonga, Operation Namu21 continues this week, with health ministry Te Marae Ora leading and coordinating a government-wide, multi-ministry approach to stopping the spread of the mosquito-borne virus.

Spearheading Operation Namu21 is the one-day mass cleaning campaign Friday, which most of the aforementioned government agencies will be directly involved in, working alongside the various puna around the island.

The one-day mass cleaning campaign is a beach to backroad type exercise that will see the collection of all rubbish lying on the beach or side of the road, in an attempt to reduce mosquito breeding and resting sites. This activity will not enter private properties or businesses.

“Te Marae Ora would like to thank all the ministries involved for their support thus far,” said Secretary of Health Bob Williams. “And we look forward to your continuous support for the remainder of Operation Namu21.”

After the one-day mass cleaning campaign, further Operation Namu21 activities will commence from Monday, February 15, beginning with a two-week long mass spraying campaign from Tupapa to Matavera.