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HPA issues caution as common cold cases exceed 22,000

Mohamed Rehan
04 September 2023, MVT 16:48
Patients wear surgical mask as they wait in IGMH's flu clinic during the swine flu outbreak in 2017. PHOTO/MIHAARU
Mohamed Rehan
04 September 2023, MVT 16:48

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has cautioned the public over the sudden spike in common cold cases in the Maldives.

The agency has reported an abrupt increase in the number of common cold cases reported to local hospitals.

Statistics shared by HPA with Mihaaru News confirms a total of 22,575 cases reported in August 2023 alone.

August Statistics

- August 6-12: 6,311 cases

- August 13-19: 7,919 cases

- August 20-26: 8,346 cases

While common cold cases are on the rise again, the Malé region experienced a spike in diarrhea and nausea cases about a month and a half ago. These cases were later identified as a strand of norovirus by HPA.

HPA also cautioned the public to take necessary preventive measures immediately if they identify these symptoms. The authority advised wearing face masks or single-use masks to cover the nose and mouth and recommended avoiding close contact with children.

HPA also urged high-risk individuals to get the influenza vaccine.

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