Influenza and dengue cases rise in Maldives

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Wednesday urged the public to take steps against Influenza and Dengue fever.

The HPA said case numbers have increased in the atolls and in Malé since January. These include influenza virus, dengue fever and asthma.

 A total of 2,183 dengue cases have been reported from January to this month. In the same period last year, 374 cases were reported.

Most dengue cases have been reported in the atolls. This year, 1,813 cases were recorded in the atolls and 370 in Malé.

Monthly data show:

For influenza, 1,119 people were tested from January to the 18th of this month. Of these, 130 tested positive.

Breakdown:

Asthma cases have increased from March to the 18th of this month. Since March, 21,687 people have received treatment.

Distribution:

Last week, 3,225 cases were reported in the atolls and 2,456 in Malé.

A total of 5,682 measles cases were reported last week, compared with 5,625 in the previous week.

The HPA has called for steps to limit transmission. Those with fever or cough for more than three days are advised to seek medical care.

The agency said influenza poses risk to infants, older people and pregnant women. Those with diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease also face risk.

Reported symptoms include cough, headache and red eyes. Lung involvement may lead to breathing difficulty.

To reduce influenza spread:

To prevent dengue, removal of standing water is required.

A 23-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy died from dengue this month.