Health Protection Agency (HPA) of Maldives recently revealed that the number of reported cases of dengue fever have surged in 2022 compared to the same period last year.
Dengue fever, which is mostly contracted through mosquito bites, generally increase in case numbers every year in the Maldives amid the Southwest monsoon (rainy season).
Statistics further confirm that the number of dengue fever cases hiked in May 2022 in comparison with the preceding month of April.
In April a total of 92 dengue fever cases were reported, which shot up twice to hit a total of 185 cases in May 2022.
During April a total of 32 cases on average were reported while in May a total of 73 cases on average were reported.
HPA has advised the public to caution against mosquito habitats as well as encouraged to place counter measures against surge in mosquito density.
The authority advised to drain stagnant water and proper cleaning of containers used to store water.
HPA also advised to assess symptoms and recommended to consult a doctor if fever along coupled with urinary issues, weakness and stomach aches continues for more than three days.
In addition to dengue fever cases, common cold, diarrhea and cases of nausea have gone up according to the authority.
In May a total of 13,361 cases of common cold were reported while in April the case total stood 12,978. Apart from a surge in common cold cases, four cases of viral influenza were reported in May.
Cases of nausea and diarrhea were reported at 1,824 in May whereas in April the total number of cases reported stood at 1,575.