Six more have been discovered from Kulhudhuffushi City positive for Filariasis, a previously eradicated disease from the Maldives.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported via X that during the health screening organized at Kulhudhuffushi City to commemorate World AIDS Day on Tuesday, December 19, a total of 25 expatriates have tested positive for Filariasis so far.
Initially, the government reported a total of 17 positive cases for Filariasis, and two more patients tested positive from tests conducted later.
HPA previously reported that a total of 19 patients were being treated for the ailment, but on Thursday morning, December 21, the agency reported that the total number of positive cases has increased to 25 with the recent discovery of six more patients.
"Out of the total 434 screenings, 409 tested negative for the ailment. Most of the individuals had come to the Maldives from countries with reported Filaria 'endemics,' and authorities are currently working to control it before it spreads," HPA said.
Kulhudhuffushi City, considered the major economic hub of the northern atolls, attracts thousands of visitors per day seeking medical services from the Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital (KRH); which is the most advanced medical facility in the region.
HPA is currently preparing to screen expatriates who had visited Kulhudhuffushi from neighboring islands.
Filariasis is caused by a chronic mosquito-borne parasitic infection, which can lead to swelling of the extremities, hydroceles, and testicular masses as well. The disease is usually caused by Culex pipiens, a type of mosquito found in congested or dirty water.
Despite contracting the disease, symptoms may remain dormant for an extended period of time.
According to Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, none of the patients discovered from the northernmost city show any external signs.
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