HPA urges caution from travelers as Chikungunya spreads in neighboring countries

On Wednesday, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed that Chikungunya is rapidly spreading in some neighboring countries. They emphasized the need for increased caution as several groups are traveling during the ongoing Eid al-Adha holidays. The public health authority has also urged individuals to take precautions against mosquito bites.

HPA has advised the public to take preventive measures against mosquito bites, including using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, installing mosquito nets on windows, and keeping doors and windows closed during peak mosquito activity hours.

HPA further noted that while most mosquito species are most active during dawn and dusk, Aedes mosquitoes, known carriers of diseases such as Chikungunya, typically bite during the daytime. The public is therefore advised to take protective measures against mosquito bites at all times, both day and night.

While urging travelers to exercise caution amid the spread of Chikungunya in some neighboring countries, HPA also noted a rise in airborne illnesses during this period.

The public health authority has reported an increase in respiratory illness cases compared to the same period in 2024, with influenza and Covid-19 being the most frequently reported. In contrast, dengue fever cases in 2025 have declined compared to last year. However, the highest number of dengue cases this year have been recorded in the Greater Malé Region, along with Raa, Kaafu, and Alif Alif atolls.

HPA went on to note that although the number of reported dengue fever cases has decreased during this period, the current rainy weather in the Maldives could potentially lead to an increase in mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever in the coming days.

Therefore, HPA has urged people to continue taking preventive measures against such diseases.