It is not uncommon to see cases of dengue in Maldives crop up, especially during the Iruvai Monsoon (summer time). February and March 2025 saw a fairly common number of cases. However, the spike in cases this year has been staggering.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) publicized statistics relating to dengue on 12th April 2026, with comparisons to the number of cases that were reported in early 2025 and early 2026.
There were 76 reported cases of dengue in February 2025. Fast forward a year later to February 2026, there were 428 reported cases of dengue, a significant increase within just a year. In March 2025, there were 60 reported cases of dengue but in March 2026, there were 535 reported cases.
The number of reported cases compared between February 2025 and February 2026 is an increase of 563 percent. The number of reported cases compared between March 2025 and March 2026 is an increase of 891 percent.
June 2025 saw 168 reported cases of dengue, with that number going up to 188 in July 2025. October 2025 saw 342 reported cases of dengue. In November 2025, there were 382 reported cases of dengue, with it increasing to 413 in December 2025. By contrast, there were 150 fewer cases of dengue in November 2024 and December 2024.
So, why is there such a huge spike in cases? What is being done to combat these increases?
In regards to the increase in cases, Maldives has been experiencing an all-time high in terms of temperature. On the day of the Local Council Elections, Women’s Development Committee Elections and the referendum vote on 4th April, Male’ experienced a soaring feels-like temperature of 37 degrees celsius, with HDh. Hanimaadhoo at 36.4 degrees Celsius, L. Kahdhoo at 36.4 degrees Celsius, GDh. Kaadehdhoo at 35.9 degrees Celsius and Addu at 35.6 degrees Celsius. In March, the Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) reported that feels-like temperatures were reaching 40 degrees celsius across Maldives, prompting schools to allow their students to wear their activity uniforms instead of their official school uniforms.
February and March have been recorded as being the hottest months in Maldives’ history. Cases of dengue are known to increase during the Iruvai Monsoon. Rising temperatures are known to shorten the incubation period of the dengue virus in mosquitos. Mosquitos thrive in hot and humid environments, leading to an increase in mosquito bites.
When looking at reported cases of dengue, March shows that the highest number of reported cases as per population was from Vaavu Atoll, with Alif Alif Atoll and Shaviyani Atoll trailing right behind.
There has been a recent death in Maldives due to dengue as well. A 23 year old, Nabhan, was being treated at Sh. Milandhoo upon experiencing a fever. The youth was transferred to HDh. Kulhudhuffushi Hospital as their symptoms had worsened and was subsequently transferred to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). The patient was put on ventilator support because the dengue infection became critical, resulting in their death on 13th April 2026.
Upon getting in contact with the Male’ City Council regarding their efforts with their pest control in combating dengue, they shared some key details:
Fogging details from 1st January 2026 to 16th April 2026:
- Number of locations that have been fogged: 21
- Number of roads that have been fogged: 55
Details regarding mosquito control from 1st January 2026 to 15th April 2026:
- Number of locations visited: 5,365
- Number of places that were surveyed: 1,056
- Number of households where mosquito larvae was found: 80
- Items in which mosquito larvae were found: 165
- Number of items advised to rectify: 438
- Number of locations with mosquito breeding related issues: 391
- Number of spots that were primed with repellents: 298
Efforts from the Male’ City Council seem to be on par with the increase in cases, but more can always be done. While the loss of life can be seen as unavoidable, every measure needs to be taken to lower that chance as much as possible. Casting a wider net across Maldives, increasing fogging operations across islands, conducting awareness campaigns before summer time approaches, all these and more can be done.
The HPA has also warned that dengue cases may continue to rise in the coming weeks. They have advised the public to:
- Wear clothing that properly covers the body and to use mosquito sprays and lotions.
- Keep doors and windows closed during dawn, evening and dusk.
- Not throw empty bottles / cans that can hold water onto the road or in your house and to clean anything that can hold water.
Home treatments for those who fall ill
- Rest.
- Drink plenty of liquids. Coconut water, sodium packets and soup are good options.
- Taking paracetamol to deal with fever, body aches and joint aches. If the fever persists for more than three days or if liquids cannot be ingested or if one becomes more tired, it is advised to seek a doctor's counsel.
