The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has cautioned the public to be wary of possible health risks following the heavy rain that prevailed in the Maldives earlier this week.

HPA revealed via a statement that there is a possibility of airborne viral diseases to be on the rise again as the weather has cleared after heavy rain showers on Sunday.

Some of these include mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya which were on the rise during the beginning of the year. By the time April rolled around, reported cases had dropped.

However, a rise in these viral diseases is expected following the heavy rains that prevailed over the country earlier this week.

HPA via twitter publicized a list of safety measures that may be taken to reduce the risk of catching said diseases. The most important measure was to pay attention to hygiene and get rid of things that pave way for mosquito infestations.

Highlighting that cleaning initiatives may be taken in outlying islands, HPA urged island councils to use fogging machines and to get actively involved in cleaning junctions as well as dump sites.