(Health Protection Agency (HPA) which functions under Health Ministry has advised people to stay clear of the wide-spreading viral flu and dengue fever.
HPA has said that the virus has been spreading rapidly throughout the Maldives and that it has not been brought under control yet. Furthermore, the agency informed that while viral flu is spreading in the capital city, Male', dengue fever is more commonly spread in the rest of the country.
Since there is a higher chance of the virus spreading due to the current rain showers, HPA has requested people to stay clear of mosquitoes by either covering themsleves up or using mosquito repelent.
The agency also highlighted the importance of following the general guidelines on safety which they have shared with the public. The statement released by HPA requests people to follow seven steps of safety in order to avoid the virus.
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1- Cover your mouth with a piece of cloth of tissue while coughing and/or sneezing. Do not leave the items used to cover your mouth exposed. 2- Stay heigenic. Pay attention to things like washing your hands with soap when necessary. 3- Do not go out to crowded areas if you are infected. 4- Keep a distance from children if you are infected. 5- Do not smoke near or around children. 6- If fallen sick, people at higher risk such as children under the age of 5, pregnant women, senior individuals and individuals receiving long-term treatment, should get vaccinated to protect themselves from the influenza. Such individuals must also seek treatment as soon as they fall sick. 7- Attend doctors' consultations with as few people as possible. Children under the age of 5, pregnant women and senior individuals must refrain from visiting patients at the hospital unless absolutely necessary. |
Meanwhile statistics released by ADK on 23rd of May show that 550 people consulted doctors from 1st to 10th May, which has increased to 1394 patients from 11th to 21st May.
While Dengue spreads rapidly from May till August every year, HPA has said that the number of people affected by the virus is expected to grow this year as well.
