Local hospitals reported over 1,000 cases of patients seeking medical consultation on Friday, July 28 alone.
Authorities have reported an outbreak of a flu epidemic in the Greater Male' region. The affected patients have exhibited symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and fever. This type of flu is often referred to as "stomach flu" due to the presence of symptoms like nausea and diarrhea.
While the virus had been spreading for some time, there was a significant spike in positive cases after thousands of people gathered to watch the parade and activities held in celebration of Maldives Independence Day on Thursday evening, July 27.
Most of the hospitals in the Greater Malé region had reported that their emergency wards are operating at full capacity. The spike in positive cases for the virus has led to a surge in hospital admissions, with several children and adults being admitted after contracting the virus.
ADK Hospital's Managing Director, Ahmed Afaal, said that on Friday alone, a total of 296 patients sought medical consultation at the hospital for symptoms of nausea and diarrhea.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) reported that approximately 500 patients sought medical consultation on Friday, and 170 patients on Saturday, July 29, while Hulhumalé Hospital reported 257 cases on Friday for symptoms related to the flu.
Several patients were reported to have sought medical consultation at both Senahiya and Tree Top Hospital in connection with the flu.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has officially confirmed that the flu epidemic in the Greater Malé region is caused by a variant of the norovirus. This specific strain has been identified as highly contagious, which can rapidly spread among individuals.
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