High increase in cases of chikungunya virus and dengue fever

Statistics of Health Protection Agency shows that the number of cases reported of chikungunya virus and dengue fever has increased rapidly.

Both chikungunya and dengue are spread through mosquitoes. The statistics of HPA shows that the number of dengue and chikungunya reported this year is more compared to the number of cases reported last year, this time.

1,930 CASES OF DENGUE FEVER

HPA states that the number dengue fever cases reported during the current period is higher than the number of cases reported within the sam period over the last three years. A total of 506 cases were reported during the month of April alone, this year.

• January – 518 cases
• February – 422 cases
• March – 466 cases
• April – 506 cases

The statistics of HPA shows that there is a gradual increase in the number of dengue cases reported each month.

 Haa Dhaalu, Raa, Alif Alif and Laam atoll have the most number of dengue cases reported. HPA reports that dengue cases are also high in Male’, Hulhumale’ and Villimale’. Laamu atoll has the highest number of reported dengue cases – 86 cases.

839 CASES OF CHIKUNGUNYA 

HPA reports that a total of 839 cases of chikungunya were reported during the first four month of 2019. This is higher than the number of cases reported during the first four months of 2018.

• January – 74 cases
• February – 179 cases
• March – 279 cases
• April – 307 cases

The statistics shows that the number of cases reported of chikungunya has a huge increase every month.

Male’ has the highest number of reported chikungunya cases – 368 cases. Statistics shows that Gaafu Dhaalu atoll has 291 cases of chikungunya reported – second highest amount.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST 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.

HPA, in April, ran a nation-wide campaign to raise public awareness on mosquito borne diseases and ways to control the spread of mosquito borne diseases.