Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH) has urged the public to take precautions as the number of dengue cases reported in the city are on the rise.
AEH CEO Dr Ibrahim Yasir Ahmed said that the number of dengue cases reported this month shows a sharp increase.
While 51 cases were reported in January, 48 cases have been reported as of now this month, he said.
At present, dengue cases are most prevalent in Hithadhoo and Feydhoo, with cases continuing to increase in Feydhoo, he said.
An official from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) told Mihaaru News that dengue cases are on the rise across the Maldives over recent weeks. They said that there is a general trend of dengue cases increasing following rainy spells.
Advised precautions
- As mosquitoes that transmit dengue are active throughout the day, people are urged to keep their homes' doors and windows shut
- Eliminate all places where water can accumulate to stop dengue-carrying mosquitoes from breeding
- Take special precautions as the illness poses high risk to children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with serious illnesses
- Wear clothing that offers maximum coverage to avoid mosquito bites, and use mosquito repellants
Treatment at home for dengue patients
- Take rest
- Increase intake of liquids (drinks with maximum benefits include coconut water, ORS packets, soup, etc)
- Use paracetamol to control fever and body aches
- If fever persists for more than three days or if the patient is unable to take in liquids, consult a doctor
Information publicized by HPA on February 10 indicate that there was a significant increase in numbers of reported cases of dengue, flu and diarrhoea in January this year.
HPA said then that 359 dengue cases had been reported in the month.
