Chikungunya cases in Male’ area rises to 59

Cases of chikungunya - a viral disease transmitted through mosquitoes – continues to increase, especially in the capital, with Maldives’ top health official warning on Saturday that cases will increase further if special measures aren’t taken.

In a post on X on early Saturday, Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel said that cases of chikungunya reported from the greater Male’ area in April has increased to 59.

This is up from the 46 cases reported as of Wednesday.

Khaleel warned that given the current rains, the number of mosquitoes infected with the chikungunya virus will increase unless special measures aren’t taken.

He said that the best way to fight mosquito-borne diseases such as chikungunya and dengue is to destroy mosquito breeding grounds.

On Wednesday, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported a sharp rise in chikungunya cases in April, compared to the previous.

According to the national health institute, 46 cases were reported from Male’ alone.

Symptoms of Chikungunya includes: fever, headache, and joint pain.

HPA has urged the public to take preventive measures, including: Covering up as much as possible, and and using mosquito repellants for exposed areas – whether indoors, or out.

The agency also advised people to keep doors and windows closed at dawn and dusk, and destroy mosquito breeding grounds.