By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

The Cook Islands Ministry of Health (Te Marae Ora) reports that the number of probable and confirmed dengue fever virus-type 2 (DEN-2) has risen to 162 since the outbreak was declared on February 2.

Thirty-four people required hospitalization for their illness. No deaths have been attributed to dengue.

The majority of cases have been found in Rarotonga, however single cases have also been identified in Aitutaki and Mauke. Officials have carried out island-wide clean-up operations and awareness campaigns on both islands.

Cook Islands News reports Dr Anura Jayasinghe, a public health specialist with Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health, said: “The public has a responsibility to maintain a clean environment.”

“Once we identify a case, we’ll do spraying, but it will only target adult mosquitos. If breeding sites are intact, more mosquitos will come from those sites.”