The surge in disease cases has prompted a comprehensive public health response. Health authorities are intensifying their efforts to raise awareness about preventive measures and encouraging the public to adopt good hygiene practices.
Corporate Maldives
The Maldives is facing a significant challenge in containing the spread of common diseases, with recent statistics from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealing a surge in cases of dengue fever, viral fever, common cold, and diarrhea across the country. With the start of 2024, the reports of the increasing cases of dengue as well as chikungunya has also been added to the list of viral diseases to keep an eye-out for.
According to statistics from HPA, April saw a worrying trend with 247 reported cases of dengue fever. Although this number was already considerably high, things did not slow down as the month ended as the number doubled in May, reaching 610 reported cases. With this, HPA had put out warning signs to look out for and the public was requested to take the necessary measures in order to avoid dengue fever.
In addition to the increased cases of dengue and chikungunya, HPA's findings also revealed that there has been a fluctuating pattern in cases of the common cold. In April, 22,739 cases were reported, which slightly decreased to 21,720 in May. Despite this decline, the numbers are still considerably high, reflecting the contagious nature of the common cold and the challenges in preventing its spread.
The caution around common colds has been on high ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, where people with the sickness showcased symptoms that were similar to catching a bad cold. With this, cautions such as wearing masks when sick with a cold as well as hygiene practices of washing hands appeared to have reduced the risk of colds since the pandemic. As the cases for common cold appear to be on the rise again, it has become extremely important to continue to practice the precautions from the era of COVID-19. In addition to colds, 161 out of 1,139 patients who were tested for influenza also tested positive, showcasing the need for continued vigilance and vaccination efforts to curb the spread of viral infections.
Last but not least, the numbers also indicate that diarrhea cases are also showing an upward trend. In April, 2,712 patients visited doctors for diarrhea-related issues, and this number increased to 2,923 in May. With this, the current figures indicate a rising incidence, emphasizing the need for improved sanitation and hygiene practices.
To combat the spread of these diseases, the HPA recommends several safety precautions:
- General Hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap is crucial to prevent the transmission of infections.
- Before Meals: Washing hands before meal preparation or eating helps reduce the risk of ingesting pathogens.
- Hydration: Increasing liquid intake is vital, particularly for those suffering from viral infections, to stay hydrated and support the immune system.
The surge in disease cases has prompted a comprehensive public health response. Health authorities are intensifying their efforts to raise awareness about preventive measures and encouraging the public to adopt good hygiene practices. Effective disease prevention and control strategies, coupled with public cooperation, are essential to mitigate the spread of these common diseases. The HPA continues to monitor the situation closely and urges the public to remain vigilant and follow recommended health guidelines.
