The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a call for public vigilance in light of a significant increase in cases of dengue, diarrhea, and other common diseases during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Sana Saleem, the Public Health Coordinator at HPA, emphasized that the rise in travel both within the country and internationally has contributed to the spread of these common illnesses. Saleem also highlighted the World Health Organization's (WHO) alert regarding the surge in dengue cases in several countries within the region.
Aminath Arusha, another Public Health Coordinator at HPA, underscored the vulnerability of pregnant women and children to dengue. She emphasized the importance of preventive measures such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, and practicing good hand hygiene to minimize the risk of contracting colds and flu. Arusha further cautioned that cases of influenza and COVID-19 are also being reported and urged high-risk individuals to receive influenza vaccinations and adopt necessary measures to safeguard themselves from COVID-19.
Traditionally, common diseases tend to increase during holiday periods. Consequently, HPA is urging the public to remain attentive to such concerns and take individual-level precautions accordingly.