HPA: 27 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced 27 people have tested positive for H1N1 influenza (swine flu) from Maldives so far.

HPA said that 208 people have been screened for H1N1 from Maldives so far this year; out of whom 27 tested positive.

The agency said the number included both Maldivians and foreigners working in Maldives, but that the majority of those who tested positive were Maldivians.

Dr. Abdulla Niyaf noted during the press conference that the number of people who tested positive for the virus so far this year was higher than the previous two years combined.

475 people were screened for the virus in 2015 and 2016; out of whom 16 people tested positive.

“We notice the rate is higher than the previous years,” said Dr. Niyaf.

He noted the strain was not new, and can be treated with basic healthcare.

“This is not some new disease. Though its communicable, the majority of those infected are not in a critical state. It can be treated with basic healthcare in most cases.”