Fourth Child Dies of Dengue

Within 48 hours of the death of a third child of dengue, a fourth child has fallen victim to the epidemically spreading killer-fever also known as the breakbone fever, ringing bells of alarm throughout the country.

This time, Ahmed Lifshaan, 4 years, Leaf View, H.Dh. Muraidhoo died of dengue while on the way to Kulhuduffushi Regional Hospital for medical treatment. He died today, around noon.

Speaking to Sun from the Hospital, Sheeza Ibrahim, the Deputy Manager, reported that the child was already dead when he was taken from Dhidhdhoo to Kulhuduffushi Hospital after a journey across sea. She said that examination by doctors indicated that the child was struck by dengue hemorrhagic shock syndrome.

The child was taken to Dhidhdhoo Hospital yesterday, and according to information given by Dhidhdhoo Hospital, he was making recovery since treatment began yesterday, but his condition started deteriorating today, and was eventually sent to Kulhuduffushi Regional Hospital. However, the child’s father had stated, according to Sheeza Ibrahim from Kulhuduffushi Regional Hospital that the child was in a critical condition since midnight.

Dengue fever has been spreading in many parts of the Maldives at an alarming speed, in an outbreak of unprecedented magnitude since 2006.

According to the statistics provided by Center for Health and Disease Control, last year 401 dengue cases were reported. However this year, in the first six month alone, 1289 dengue cases were reported.

To counter the outbreak of dengue fever cabinet has decided to launch a special programme to control mosquitoes. But it is not due to start until next week.