The outbreak in Hirilandhoo island of Thaa atoll is not avian flu, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said refuting reports that claimed as such on some news outlets.

The HPA had acquired samples from six patients in Hirilandhoo, five of whom had tested positive for an influenza A type virus. However, the agency’s Deputy Director-General Ibrahim Nishan said none of them had the avian flu strain.

Director-General Nishan said that the HPA is monitoring the situation in Hirilandhoo closely, and firmly guaranteed that no similar cases have been observed or reported at this juncture in any other part of the country.

Over 100 patients had sought consultation at the Hirilandhoo Health Center for fevers and other flu-like symptoms this week. Two patients have been admitted to the hospital.

The health center has established a system to expedite their transfer of blood samples to the Thaa Atoll Hospital in Veimandhoo island.

The hospital has said that it has been monitoring the situation as well, and that additional pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies have been sent to the island.