The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has officially stated that the recent surge of Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) cases, presenting symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, in Male' City is unrelated to food as the cause.
According to the HPA, the current upsurge in AGE cases is attributed to a viral infection, with no indications of it being caused by a specific food source. HPA is actively conducting further investigations to uncover the precise reasons behind the occurrences of vomiting and diarrhea.
HPA stated that there has been a notable increase in AGE cases, which is a trend that has been observed during holiday periods in previous years as well. HPA noted that a significant number of individuals have been admitted to various hospitals in Male' including Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), Senahiya Military Hospital, ADK Hospital, and Hulhumale' Hospital. HPA is diligently working to identify the underlying factors contributing to this sudden surge in medical cases.
Speaking to PSM News, Managing Director at ADK Hospital Ahmed Afaal said that about 170 patients including 133 children under the age of 15 had been admitted to the hospital for vomiting and diarrhea. He said that none of the patients admitted to the hospital were in serious condition so far, but the hospital's emergency room (ER) was overcrowded due to the large number of patients seeking the doctor at once. He also said that additional arrangements have been made to handle the situation effectively.