HPA warns for dengue

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has warned for dengue fever following the ongoing rainy period in the Maldives.

Rainwater often increases stagnant water which can become mosquito breeding grounds.

In a health alert, HPA reminded that it is everyone’s responsibility to control mosquitoes, and called to launch efforts in this regard.

This includes cleaning stagnant water weekly, and ensuring dustbins and other things that can collect water are covered with lids, the authority said.

Things that can be done to prevent dengue:

- Wear clothing that fully covers the skin and use mosquito lotion or repellent

- Close all doors and windows at dusk and dawn to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house

- Pay special attention to personal hygiene

- Consult a doctor if fever persists for 3 days.

Several programs were conducted to control mosquitoes following a major dengue outbreak earlier this year, which left five people dead.