Increased cases of dengue and chikungunya in the first week of May
According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) of the Maldives, in the first week of May alone there have been 40 causes of dengue and 58 cases of chikungunya.
The Jakarta Post
It seems like the month of May 2024 is starting with a caution against two fast-spreading diseases: dengue and chikungunya. According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) of the Maldives, in the first week of May alone there have been 40 causes of dengue and 58 cases of chikungunya.
Both of these diseases have been slowly spreading throughout the year, with each month bringing additional cases of both dengue as well as chikungunya. According to the statistics from HPA, 239 cases of dengue were reported in April, while 177 cases of chikungunya were reported in the same month. For both diseases, the statistics appear to be increasing with each passing month, causing HPA to notify citizens to take caution and keep a lookout for some of the most common symptoms of both conditions. Additionally, citizens can also take precautionary measures in order to lower the risks of catching both dengue and chikungunya.
Some of the precautionary measures as well as symptoms for both of the conditions include:
Symptoms of dengue:
1. High fever
2. Severe headache
3. Pain behind the eyes
4. Joint and muscle pain
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Fatigue
7. Skin rash
8. Mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleeding)
Symptoms of chikungunya:
1. Sudden onset of high fever
2. Severe joint pain, usually in the wrists, ankles, and knees
3. Muscle pain
4. Headache
5. Nausea
6. Fatigue
7. Skin rash (may occur in some cases)
Precautionary measures for both dengue and chikungunya:
1. Eliminate standing water around your home to prevent mosquito breeding sites.
2. Use mosquito repellents containing DEET on exposed skin.
3. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
4. Use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially for infants and young children.
5. Keep doors and windows closed or screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoors.
6. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms, especially if you have been in an area where dengue is prevalent.
By staying vigilant, practicing good hygiene, and taking preventive measures against mosquito bites, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of contracting dengue and chikungunya infections.
