The Maldives has seen a large increase in cold and flu cases although a recent spike in dengue cases have been controlled, the Heath Protection Agency (HPA) said.

Senior Public Health Officer Abdulla Muaz told RaajjeTV on Monday that 3,418 patients showed symptoms of fever while 4,367 patients reported symptoms of a cold, in the last two weeks.

The number of reported cases of dengue during this period is 230, although the agency said last week that their efforts to control its spread has been successful.

While there has been a spike in reported cases in the out lying islands as well, namely Angolhitheemu of Raa atoll, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital reported more cases of fever and cold.

Further, in Monday’s interview, HPA Public Health Program Manager Sana Saleem said that cases of vomiting, colds, viral fevers, as well as dengue have increased in the last two weeks.

Sana advised the public to take precautionary steps to curb the spread of said conditions.

“We must take precautionary steps to prevent these illnesses, I strongly advise everyone to wash their hands thoroughly before touching food or after using the washroom, and to thoroughly clean spaces that hold water, so as to fight mosquito nesting”, Sana said.

HPA said that the spread of viral illnesses has been accelerated because of December is a nation-wide holiday.