HPA urges caution over alarming surge in chikungunya cases
40 cases of dengue fever were also reported
Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH)
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged caution over an alarming spike in chikungunya cases being detected across the Maldives.
The public health authority revealed that 58 cases of chikungunya were reported in the first four days of the ongoing month alone.
Within the same period, 40 cases of dengue fever were also reported.
Sharing details regarding the wide-spreading dengue fever and chikungunya cases across the island nation, HPA noted that between January to May 4, a total of 660 cases of dengue were recorded.
The greatest number of cases were reported during April, sitting at 239.
According to the data publicized by the public health authority, the greatest number of dengue cases was reported from Hulhumalé.
As such, 142 cases were reported and 47 individuals are to have consulted with a doctor in the capital Malé City.
The third highest number was recorded across Kaafu atoll.
HPA went on to reveal that 240 patients of chikungunya were recorded nationwide by May 4.
The highest number of chikungunya cases was reported from April 28 to May 4 at 117 cases.
193 cases of chikungunya have been reported across the capital region so far, with 40 cases confirmed in Hulhumalé.
The most effective way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like Chikungunya and Dengue is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and the people are urged to pay special attention to this effort.
Speaking to RaajjeMV, officials of HPA confirmed that cases of Chikungunya have been on the rise. 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 poses significant health risks.
The public health authority has urged the public to practice safety measures to shield from mosquito bites that can cause the disease.
HPA highlighted 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.
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.
