The Cook Islands
Risk / Health Info for The Cook Islands
Canadian Travel Clinics can help you to organize all the injections you need for visiting Cook Islands.
Medical and dental facilities are available on Rarotonga, including hospital and emergency services. On the other islands, medical facilities are limited. Evacuation to New Zealand may be necessary for serious illnesses or injuries. There are no hyperbaric chambers on the Cook Islands.
Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses including chikungunya virus and Zika by covering up as much as possible and using a reliable insect repellent.
Practise safe food and water precautions in the Cook Islands: to avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” and other gastrointestinal illnesses, drink commercially bottled water. Avoid using ice cubes, and remember to avoid eating food that you can’t peel, cook or boil.
Your Canadian health insurance will not cover you when you leave the country, so get travel insurance before you go. Consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.
- Chikungunya virus in The Cook Islands
- Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in The Cook Islands. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.
- Dengue fever in The Cook Islands
- There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in The Cook Islands. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.
- Zika in The Cook Islands
- Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in The Cook Islands. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to The Cook Islands. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.
Recommended Vaccines for The Cook Islands
| Vaccine Name | Course |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (adult) | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (paediatric) | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and typhoid (combined) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis A (paediatric) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis B | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis B (paediatric) | 3 Doses |
| Typhoid | 1 Dose |
| Typhoid (oral) | 1 Dose |
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About The Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is a self-governing state in association with New Zealand. It has profited recently by sheltering debtors from the claims of creditors. There is plenty to interest visitors, including cave birds that fly in the dark, snorkelling and mountain hikes.
top Tips for travelling to The Cook Islands
Cook Islands handicrafts are of a high quality and include weaving, carving and characteristic patchwork quilts depicting island scenes. A Cook Islands driver’s licence is required for all drivers. Drivers can obtain one from the police station in Avarua upon presentation of their own licence. Travellers should dress conservatively to avoid offending local sensitivities. Because of the laws of the Cook Islands, Global Affairs Canada advises that LGBTQ2 travellers carefully consider the risks of travelling to the Cook Islands.