Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said more than 1,600 dengue fever cases have been reported in the Maldives this year.
Ministry of Health and HPA have urged people to be vigilant as the spread of dengue fever is increasing in the Maldives. HPA revealed dengue fever cases usually increase every year during the rainy season. HPA revealed that the number of dengue cases reported across the Maldives has increased since April this year and that the number of dengue cases so far in October has increased compared to September last year.
A total of 1,634 dengue cases have been reported since January this year, according to HPA. These included 695 cases reported from the Greater Male' Region and 939 cases from the atolls. The highest number of dengue cases so far this year was reported in the first week of August with108 cases. HPA further revealed that a total of five people have died from the illness in the Maldives this year.
In the Greater Male' Region, 362 cases were reported from Male' City, 294 from Hulhumale' and 39 from Villimale'. In terms of atolls, the highest number of cases were reported in the central and southern atolls. The highest number of cases have been reported in Raa Atoll with 218 cases and the next highest number of cases was reported in Laamu Atoll with 99 cases. In addition, Kaafu Atoll, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Meemu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll reported more than 50 dengue cases.
Furthermore, HPA said heavy rains and mosquito breeding is expected to increase in the future which increases the risk of dengue fever. As such, HPA advised the public to clean or remove containers that could have a collection of water that would provide a breeding environment for mosquitos. HPA has also advised the public to use mosquito repellent and lotion, and to keep doors and windows closed during sunrise and sunset.
In addition to dengue, flu cases have also increased this year. Therefore, authorities are urging the public to pay special attention to hygiene to prevent dengue and flu.