The number of confirmed cases of dengue in the Cook Islands is declining.
The latest data shows that there has been zero confirmed cases of dengue since mid-April.
The health ministry, Te Marae Ora, suggests that the recent dengue outbreak is slowly being brought under control.
The incidence of probable cases has also declined with seven recorded for the second week of May, compared with 12 in mid-April and a peak of 24 probable cases in February.
Photo: AFP / Sebastian Kaulitzki / Science Photo Library
Probable cases are those who test positive for the NS1 non-structural protein of the dengue virus, as opposed to cases confirmed to have the dengue type 2 infection based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction).
There have been reports of a 'mystery virus', but the Secretary of Health Bob Williams says no new virus has been identified as being present in the Cook Islands and only the dengue type 2 virus has been detected.
Describing the latest data as "encouraging", Williams said he was very pleased with the work being done by both TMO health workers and the public to help bring the dengue outbreak under control.
"Our tutaka household and property inspections have been ongoing this month and the results have been good, as most people seem to be doing what they can to reduce mosquito breeding sites on their properties," he said.
"Te Marae Ora staff have also been organising the removal of old cars, whiteware and other waste that could harbour mosquitoes, and preparing these items for disposal with General Transport."