Cook Islands has increased border vigilance against pertussis (whooping cough) following outbreaks in New Zealand and Samoa.

Secretary of Health Bob Williams confirmed yesterday that there have been no confirmed cases of whooping cough detected in the Cook Islands.

However, the Ministry has increased monitoring, especially at the border, in response to recent outbreaks in New Zealand and Samoa.

In NZ, the total number of whooping cough cases for 2024 has surpassed 1000, with 263 cases recorded between October 19 and November 15. In Samoa, six cases were reported on November 28.

In a statement to Cook Islands News, Williams said whooping cough is a highly contagious illness that can be particularly dangerous for newborn babies and older adults, and in some cases, it can be fatal.

He said flights from Auckland to Rarotonga remain full, and it is important for all new mums with newborn babies and the vulnerable older adults to take extra caution when out in public.

“Monitoring of symptomatic arrival passengers will commence this week by health officials at the border,” Williams said.

“The National Coordination Team meets weekly to monitor the outbreak in NZ and Samoa with updates from the Polynesian Health Corridor Team. To date, there is no confirmed case detected in the Cook Islands.”

The general public is urged to look out for early symptoms of running nose, low-grade fever, apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing), cyanosis (turning blue to purple) in babies and young children, and irritating cough that lasts between one and two weeks.

Transmission is by respiratory (breathing) droplets of an infected person including airborne transmission with other people within the same breathing space as the infected person.

“TMO can issue face masks to families who may need self-protection and also would like to encourage everyone to ensure that their children are up to date with their vaccinations,” Williams said.

According to the Cook Islands National Immunization Policy, whooping cough vaccination is scheduled to be given to babies at six weeks, three months and five months of age, with a booster dose given at four years of age.

Dr Deacon Teapa, Te Marae Ora director of hospital services, earlier told this newspaper that whooping cough outbreaks can occur in small populations if vaccination rates drop.

Dr Teapa said ensuring high community immunisation coverage is critical to protecting infants and vulnerable populations from this potentially life-threatening disease

“Infants under two months old are particularly vulnerable because they are too young for vaccination, making community immunity critical,” he said.

“Treatment often includes antibiotics, especially in the early stages, to reduce transmission and complications.

“Staying informed and vigilant is essential for preventing an outbreak. Contact your local health provider for more details on vaccine schedules and health advice.”

He further advised on hygiene practices such as regular hand washing and covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing, which can help reduce the spread of infection.

“If you feel you have come into close contact with someone with pertussis or have symptoms, please self-isolate and contact Tupapa Te Puna Ora Tumanava (Primary Care) at 20066 or 20065,” Williams advised.