Some private schools close due to flu outbreak

Some private schools in Maldives have started closing due to a massive outbreak of flu which has pushed down the number of students and teachers attending school.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced it has noticed an increase in spread of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in the country this flu season. The authority said health experts and medical resources were being utilized to contain the outbreak.

Kinder Preschool in Male’ City suspended its classes last Sunday due to the outbreak.

Meawhile, the media official at Ministry of Education reported this Monday morning that public schools have not been closed down, and that any action it takes will be taken under the advisement of HPA.

Schools are set to close next week for mid-term break.

H1N1 influenza has been popping up and spreading in different parts of the world as a seasonal flu since the 2009 influenza pandemic.

HPA reports that unlike other flu strains, the H1N1 in not life threatening to the general population, but warned that children, the elderly and people with respiratory illnesses are especially susceptible to the virus.

H1N1 is transmitted via bodily fluids from coughing and sneezing.