Chikungunya cases surge, HPA urges caution

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged caution over a sudden surge in Chikungunya cases.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, the public health authority revealed that cases of Chikungunya have been on the rise this month.

As such, a total of 46 cases have been reported across the Greater Malé Region so far.

Some of the symptoms of Chikungunya include fever, headaches and pain in joints.

HPA revealed that similar to dengue and Zika virus, Chikungunya is also a mosquito-borne disease that pose significant health risks.

The public health authority has urged the public to practice safety measures to shield from mosquito bites that can cause disease.

Highlighting that the number of Chikungunya and dengue cases are likely to increase in the coming days due to unpredictable adverse weather conditions.

The authorities have given instructions on preventing these diseases by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants that reveal less skin as well as using mosquito repellent. Some home remedies for the diseases include drinking plenty of fluids, resting and refraining from taking medicine other than paracetamol for fever.

Some other precautionary measures that have been urged include regular hand washing, wearing long-sleeved clothing, long pants and using mosquito repellant frequently.

It is advised for those who have a fever for three days or show other signs of dengue fever to seek medication treatment.

According to findings and data, the last outbreak of Chikungunya in the Maldives, was reported in 2006.