Health: Confident of zero fatalities from dengue in 2016

Government health authorities have said that they were confident there would be no fatalities from dengue in the country this year.

In a press conference held at Health Ministry on Thursday, Head of Surveillance of Health Protection Agency, Ibrahim Nishaan Ahmed said that no one had died from dengue fever yet this year, and that they were confident of maintaining the “zero fatality” status.

Head of Surveillance of Health Protection Agency, Ibrahim Nishaan Ahmed during press conference on May 5, 2016. Sun photo: Yoosuf Sofwan

“If we step up our efforts, God willing, we may be able to end this year without any fatalities from dengue,” said Nishaan.

He said that 464 dengue cases had been reported to them so far this year, which is a figure higher when compared to the same period of time last year. But that 96 percent of the cases were not life-threatening – with 67 percent of the cases reported from the atolls.

Statistics show an increase in dengue cases in Male’, K. Kaashidhoo and H. A. Ihavandhoo.

Last year’s dengue outbreak witnessed over 1,800 cases reported. And six fatalities.

Nishaan said that most cases of dengue were reported in June and July – with the seasonal rains – and that dengue could be controlled if preventive measures were taken beforehand.

Health Minister Iruthisham Adam during press conference on May 5, 2016. Sun photo: Yoosuf Sofwan

Meanwhile, Health Minister Iruthisham Adam said that country-wide efforts were being made to control mosquitos and raise awareness on spread on dengue.

She said that Health Ministry was doing its part to prevent a dengue outbreak, but that preventing spread of dengue was also a responsibility of each and every citizen.