The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has declared that the current surge of vomiting and diarrhea cases in Male' city is a norovirus outbreak.
The virus spreads rapidly in closed places and crowded places. HPA has advised people to avoid going to crowded places.
HPA has urged the safe disposal of used tissues and encouraged using bleach for cleaning.
The agency called for frequent hand washing with soap as hand sanitizer alone does not protect against norovirus.
"If you have any symptoms, do not participate in food preparation for 24 hours after the symptoms disappear," HPA said in a tweet.
The outbreak of vomiting and diarrhea has been going on for two weeks and a sudden surge was seen after crowds gathered for the Independence Day parade.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus. Norovirus is sometimes called the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug”.
