Authorities establish counter-filariasis taskforce; 295 migrants screened

Health authorities have established a special taskforce and screened 295 migrant workers, following the confirmation of 19 cases of filariasis in Kulhudhuffushi City.

In a statement on Monday, Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the taskforce is composed of officials from Kulhudhuffushi Hospital, the local council, and other relevant bodies.

HPA said that authorities have so far screened 295 migrants for the disease, and are screening more.

Authorities are also treating the 19 individuals who tested positive for the disease.

HPA added that it has supplied test kits to the Kulhudhuffushi Hospital, and are trying to get more through the World Health Organization (WHO).

The health agency said that it is running a program to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and awareness programs, and has more work planned to control the spread of the disease, including random testing, formulation of guidelines, and screenings in other islands.

HPA said they also plan on creating awareness posters and videos in languages that migrants speak.

Kulhudhuffushi has confirmed 19 cases of filariasis – a disease which was eradicated from Maldives in 2016 - in its migrant population, including two new cases on Monday.

Filariasis is a disease caused by a chronic mosquito-borne parasitic infection. Chronic infection can lead to swelling of the extremities, hydroceles, and testicular masses. It is the second-largest cause of permanent deformity and disability behind leprosy worldwide.