Rapid spread of Chickenpox and Conjunctivitis in Maldives

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a warning to the public to be vigilant against the spread of Chickenpox and conjunctivitis (pink eye) in the Maldives.

HPA tweeted about some of the diseases spreading rapidly in Maldives, which include;

- Chickenpox

- Conjuntivitis

- Cold and flu

- Hand Foot and Mouth

- Diarrhea

- Dengue

HPA said that it is important to identify and be aware of the diseases and take precautionary measures.

Chickenpox is a very contagious disease, with symptoms including tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, headache, cough, sore throat, abdominal pain and fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs.

Conjunctivitis is also very contagious, causing swelling, redness and infection of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid), watery eyes and sometimes blurred vision.

The outbreak of cold and viral flu has increased dramatically this year compared to 2021, with more than 25,700 people infected in August alone, overcrowding hospitals and clinics according to the latest statistics by HPA.

In addition cold and flu, spread of dengue and diarrhea have also increased in the past two months.