Statistics have shown that there was an increase in the number of dengue fever cases reported in April as compared to March this year.

As such, statistics show that 119 cases of dengue fever were recorded in March this year, whereas the number increased to 224 in the month that followed.

In 2023, 229 cases of dengue were reported in March and 330 in April.

Although the number of dengue cases increased in April in comparison to March this year, the number remains less compared to the same period last year.

The people have been instructed to take the necessary measures to prevent dengue and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Sharing details regarding the wide-spreading dengue fever and chikungunya cases across the island nation, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) noted that between January to May 4, a total of 660 cases of dengue were recorded.

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.

HPA revealed that similar to dengue and zika virus, chikungunya is also a mosquito-borne disease that poses significant health risks.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease and is life-threatening if not treated properly.

Patients are advised to be carefully monitored within the first 48 hours on the onset of fever, as the dangers of dengue are heightened in the first 24 to 48 hours after fever subsides.

As such, patients need to be extra cautious for at least two days after fever subsides.

If patients feel more exhausted after the fever subsides and develop other symptoms, they are urged to seek medical help without delay.

People have also been encouraged to avoid taking anything other than paracetamol for fever, as medicines like Brufen can lead to other health issues.

It is important to focus on preventative measures to reduce mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue.

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.

During 2019, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) worked tirelessly to eliminate mosquito breeding sites like using insecticide and fogging machines due to a rise in dengue and chikungunya cases reported that year.

HPA also noted that dengue and influenza are two of the most dangerous among communicable and wide-spreading diseases. As such, dengue and influenza are two of the most conspicuous diseases among those that spread widely over the Maldives, due to adverse weather, and several other reasons.

Influenza and dengue outbreaks occur during rainy seasons every year across outlying atolls.

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

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