Some 244 cases of dengue have been reported in the first two weeks of May.
Statistics from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that 119 people were infected with dengue in March. The number of cases reported in the first two weeks of this month doubled with 244 patients.
A total of 330 people reported catching dengue fever in April last year, according to statistics.
With the current spike in dengue cases, the disease is spreading the fastest in the Male' region in addition to Haa Dhaal, Noonu and Kaafu atolls.
The spread of dengue rises in April and May every year coinciding with the rainy season.
Dengue is spread by female Aedes mosquitos that carry the virus biting humans. The Aedes mosquito spreads the disease among humans during its approximately four-week lifespan.
In addition to dengue, the mosquito-borne chikungunya is also spreading in the Maldives.
Similar to dengue, chikungunya is also spread by mosquitos that have bitten an infected person. Symptoms of the disease start appearing three to six days after the mosquito bite.
Protection from mosquito bites and elimination of mosquito breeding sites are necessary to prevent the spread of dengue and chikungunya.
Things you can do to protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- Wear as much coverage as possible
- Use mosquito lotion
- Put mosquito nets in places such as windows
- Keep doors and windows closed in the morning and evening
If the Aedes mosquito lays eggs in any container with water, the eggs will remain for more than six months even if the water is emptied out.
Therefore, it is important to clear out places and items that can hold water in the house at least once a week.
