Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to be vigilant in controlling Dengue and Chikungunya, despite the low number of diseases spreading from mosquitoes.
The Maldives has reported the same number of Dengue cases so far this year compared to the previous year, as per statistics of HPA. As such, the Maldives reported 25,554 cases of flu in January, and 16,125 cases were reported in February, while 317 people were tested for influenza in January and three of the cases were confirmed. Moreover, 41 people were tested for influenza in February and no one tested positive. A total of 358 people were tested for influenza this year. Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious disease caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract including nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza causes severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.
Furthermore, HPA said 15 cases of Dengue were reported in January and 24 cases were reported in February. HPA has urged the public to take extra caution to prevent such diseases.
HPA said importance should be given to cleanliness, especially handwashing, and to avoid public gatherings. Children should not be taken to such public places, especially if they are infected, according to the HPA.