Over 24,800 infections reported last month as rains fuel outbreaks

Dengue fever and flu increased last month, with more than 24,800 cases reported nationwide as heavy rains continued across the country, a period in which tropical diseases typically rise.

According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA), over 20,000 people reported flu symptoms in March. Meanwhile, the number of measles cases reported last month rose to 24,221.

Dengue cases also increased, climbing from 601 cases in March to 643 cases by the end of last month. The highest number of dengue cases were recorded in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, which alone reported 80 cases.

ޑެންގީ ފަދަ ނުރައްކާތެރި ބަލިތަކުން ރައްކާތެރިވުމަށް މަދިރި ހެފުމުން ރައްކާތެރިވެ މަދިރި އުފެދި އާލާވާ ތަންތަން ނައްތާލަމާ!#DengueAwareness pic.twitter.com/u9brmtshd4

— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) May 11, 2026

While dengue and flu cases rose, HPA figures show that diarrhea cases declined last month, with 3,993 cases reported.

The HPA has urged the public to take necessary precautions to curb the spread of dengue and other communicable diseases.

Health officials in G.Dh. Faresmathoda said viral fever has spread rapidly on the island, with nearly half the population seeking medical care in recent weeks.