The Education Center in Gaaf Alif atoll has been shut down due to reports of wide-spreading Chikungunya virus in the region.

Gaaf Alif Villingili Council President Mustafa Mohamed revealed that the decision follows the transmission of Chikungunya at a rate that the region has never observed before. It is also followed by the raising concerns from many worried parents.

The council President also revealed that the average number of persons who come for consultation at the Atoll Hospital is between 25 – 45 per day.

He also said that the center was shut down for a period of two days, as recommended by the relevant institutions.

So far, over 189 persons have come for consultation, revealed Mustafa.

Further, the island council, health center and other institutions are working to control mosquito infestations, the way through which the virus is transmitted from person to person. As such, the island residents and council have begun using insecticide in areas most likely to be infested by mosquitoes.

While Villingili has a population of 3,760 residents, the Education Center has about a 600 students enrolled.