By Talaia Mika, Cook Islands News
Long queues of waiting patients have been seen outside the Tupapa Primary Health Clinic recently, with many concerned residents reportedly being struck multiple times by the same flu-type illness. Pictured is the clinic last week after many patients had left. Photo: Cook Islands News
An influx of patients with severe respiratory and flu-like symptoms, including loss of taste and smell, is overwhelming Rarotonga's clinics, as the Ministry of Health monitors the seasonal virus surge and advises the public on proper care and prevention measures.
For the past two weeks, the Rarotonga Hospital and Tupapa Primary Health Clinic have been flooded with people reporting similar symptoms such as loss of taste and smell, shortness of breath, severe headaches and most recently, stomach aches.
Long queues of waiting patients have been seen outside the centre, with many concerned residents reportedly being struck multiple times by the same mysterious illness.
Responding to questions from Cook Islands News, Secretary of Health Bob Williams confirmed that the symptoms being reported are consistent with a wave of acute respiratory infections currently circulating on the island.
Williams revealed that there were about 200 cases recorded in August and 130 cases in September, with the majority in Rarotonga.
"The August number includes our Pa Enua people when they were here in Rarotonga for the Te Maeva Nui celebrations," he said.
"The symptoms described-loss of taste and smell, shortness of breath, and severe headaches-are consistent with acute respiratory infections, which are commonly caused by seasonal viruses."
These include influenza B, A1 and A2 virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus and COVID-19, among others.
A concerned patient, who did not want to be named due to government work protocols, said her whole family spent an entire week at home from the end of September to the beginning of October due to severe symptoms of flu.
"It started with my daughter, she had a severe flu then came with a rash, sore back and pale eyes so we took her to the hospital sometime at the end of September," she explained.
"It was really packed at the hospital (Tupapa Primary Health Clinic) but we still waited in line and two days later, I got the flu and then my husband and next thing we know, the rest of the family got it too."
The 58-year-old explained that all they understood was that it was a severe kind of flu that their bodies were weak for days and it was difficult to move around the house.
"I've never had this kind of flu before so as my family and we thought we'd just all stay home and cure ourselves because we believe we got it from the hospital when we went the first time for my younger daughter."
She added that she was concerned whether it was a flu or another variant of Covid-19, adding that the thought started from the hospital when she overheard some patients talking about it after repeated visits to the hospital.
TMO's Williams said the country is seeing a seasonal flu pattern, noting that while the illness can feel severe, most cases do not require hospital admission.
"This current wave of influenza appears to be part of the seasonal flu pattern, and while the symptoms may feel severe for some, most cases do not require hospital-level care," he said.
He said the Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to follow basic public health measures to prevent further spread.
"Public health measures remain the cornerstone of prevention," Williams said.
"These include practicing good cough etiquette (e.g., covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, better still wear a mask), frequent hand hygiene with soap or alcohol-based sanitisers, and receiving the annual influenza vaccine before winter."
Williams also cautioned against the misuse of antibiotics, stressing that they are ineffective against viral infections.
"Antibiotics are not required for viral infections and should only be used when there is clear evidence of bacterial complications," he said. "Use of paracetamol and adequate fluid intake are important part of management."
He also advised that people with mild flu symptoms should avoid the hospital's Emergency Department, which prioritises critical patients.
"We encourage individuals with flu symptoms to seek care through their Tupapa Primary Health Clinic by appointment, rather than presenting directly to the Emergency Department (ED) where critically ill patients are prioritised," he said.
However, Williams urged those experiencing serious symptoms to seek urgent medical attention.
"Those who should present to the ED include individuals experiencing severe shortness of breath or chest pain, those with underlying health conditions (e.g., heart disease, asthma, diabetes) whose symptoms are worsening after a few days of conventional management, and children or elderly individuals, especially when altered conscious level such as agitation, irritation and being lethargic," he said.
TMO is calling for vigilance and patience as medical teams continue to respond to what appears to be one of the heaviest flu waves in months.
-This article was first published by Cook Islands News.
