Health advisory issued over increase in dengue, diarrhea

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued an advisory over the recent increase in spread on dengue and diarrhea in Maldives.

DIARRHEA AND VOMITING

HPA says it 1,666 cases of diarrhea has been reported to the agency in the past two weeks, which is a five percent increase compared to the same time in 2017.

Diarrhea and vomiting is a viral infection spread through contaminated food or drinking-water, or from person to person as a result of poor hygiene.

HPA advises the public to use safe drinking-water and pay special attention to hygiene by washing hands with soap.

DENGUE

The agency also says 186 cases of dengue were reported to the agency in the past two weeks – six times the number reported the same time in 2017.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease which can result in dengue hemorrhagic fever – a potentially lethal complication which mostly affects children.

The agency stressed the need to destroy mosquito breeding grounds in order to stop the spread of dengue.

Protective measures for dengue:

• Destroying or cleaning potential mosquito breeding grounds (places which collect water) in households on a weekly basis.
• Avoiding dumbing garbage on the streets and vents.
• Using dustbins and covering the top of the dustbin to avoid collection of water.
• Covering the body to prevent mosquito bites and using mosquito repellants.
• Keeping windows and doors shut during sunrise and sunset to prevent mosquitos from getting in.