HPA reports sharp rise in nationwide infections, with Kulhudhuffushi hardest hit

The number of dengue cases reported in Maldives has risen to more than 2,000 so far this year, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said Tuesday.

This is a significant increase compared to the same period last year, when 373 cases were reported.

According to HPA, 679 cases were reported in January, 428 in February, 601 in March and 635 in April. As of May 5, a total of 116 cases have been reported this month. In the past 10 days alone, 107 cases were recorded, of which 57.94 percent were from Kulhudhuffushi City.

The highest number of cases in the past two weeks were reported from Kulhudhuffushi (62 cases), followed by Sh. Milandhoo (17 cases) and G.Dh. Thinadhoo (16 cases).

According to Kulhudhuffushi Hospital Director Mohamed Hussain, 147 people have sought medical care since April, most of them from the island. The Kulhudhuffushi Council has formed a dengue task force to control the outbreak.

“The task force has cleaned various parts of the island. They are planning to visit households next Saturday to clean water‑collecting areas,” he said.

The mosquitoes that cause #Dengue, #Zika and #Chikungunya breed in and around our homes. Let's make sure to keep our homes and surroundings clean and eliminate breeding sites. ???? #ChikungunyaAwareness#DengueAwareness#ZikaAwareness#FightTheBite pic.twitter.com/QEZdxSd1mC

— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) May 4, 2026

The highest number of cases in the past 10 days were reported from H.Dh. Atoll (83 cases), G.Dh. Atoll (35 cases) and K. Atoll (29 cases).

Twenty‑two cases were reported from Malé City during the same period. In addition to rural islands, cases have also increased in Malé, Maamigili, Finey and Maduvvari.

Dengue is one of the most common diseases in Maldives, and HPA notes that cases typically rise during the rainy season.

Dengue fever, caused by the Aedes mosquito, can quickly become serious and life‑threatening, though some people recover without showing symptoms.

The disease spreads when a female Aedes mosquito carrying the virus bites a person. Aedes mosquitoes can transmit dengue throughout their four‑week lifespan.

Thailand has introduced a dengue vaccine, but Maldivian authorities have not yet explored the option, as the country’s health sector is already facing a severe medicine shortage.