HPA warns of rising dengue and diarrhea cases amid post‑holiday travel and flu season

Dengue fever and diarrhea saw a notable rise in the last three weeks of last month, with nearly 6,000 cases reported nationwide, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said Tuesday.

Both illnesses have been increasing since late last year, prompting the HPA to urge the public to remain vigilant.

According to figures compiled for the period from the 11th to the 31st of last month, cases of flu, dengue, and diarrhea all increased. A total of 5,980 people were reported with dengue fever and diarrhea combined during the three‑week period.

Of these, 5,621 were diarrhea cases, while 359 cases of dengue were recorded. Flu cases were significantly higher, with 21,993 reported during the same period.

އަރިދަފުސް ރޯގާ އަދި ނޭވާލާ ނިޒާމަށް ޖެހޭ ބަލިތަކުން ރައްކާތެރިވަމާ!#Fluprevention#HealthForAll pic.twitter.com/GUzVKncS2X

— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) February 10, 2026

The data shows the sharpest rise in dengue occurred in the final week of the month, when 148 cases were reported. Flu and diarrhea peaked between the 18th and 24th.

Health officials note that vomiting and diarrhea have increased following the school holidays, during which nearly 50,000 Maldivians travelled abroad. Around 8,000 of them went to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.

Disease spread typically increases during Umrah and Hajj seasons. The HPA advises those returning from pilgrimage to avoid social contact if they develop flu‑like symptoms, in order to prevent further transmission.