The total number of filariasis cases detected in the Maldives have risen to 32 after more individuals tested positive in the Greater Male' Region.
Filariasis cases have also been reported in Kulhudhuffushi City and all the current cases involve expatriates. The screening campaign, which began in Kulhudhuffushi, has been expanded to various parts of the country. As such, 439 expatriates have been screened so far in Kulhudhuffushi and filariasis has been detected in 25 expatriates while the disease has not been found in the 155 Maldivians who were screened.
Screenings have also been conducted in the Greater Male' Region for the past two days. Health Protection Agency (HPA) stated that screenings were conducted in Hulhumale', Villimale', Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. The screening campaigns were mainly conducted in areas with a large number of foreign workers.
A total of 29 individuals were screened in Male' City and five tested positive. None of the 10 individuals screened in Villimale' tested positive while one of the 20 individuals screened in Gulhifalhu tested positive. Meanwhile, all 15 individuals screened in Thilafushi tested negative and one of the 15 individuals screened in Male' City tested positive.
Overall, 7 of the 89 individuals screened in the Greater Male' Region tested positive for Filariasis. A total of 683 individuals have been screened for filariasis in the country, of whom 32 have tested positive.
HPA has yet to confirm the presence of filariasis in a Maldivian. The agency stated that the majority of expatriates who tested positive are from India. Specifically, 10 individuals are from Uttar Pradesh, 18 from Bihar, one from Tamil Nadu, and one from Gopalganj. In addition, two Bangladeshi nationals have also been identified as positive for the disease.
HPA is continuing to test Maldivians and foreigners for filariasis. Those who have tested positive for the disease are being given treatment.