Schools closed due to rapid spread of diseases

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has elevated the disease alert level to three with the increase of H1N1 cases across the country.

The country had 27 cases of H1N1, more commonly known as Swine Flu, reported by yesterday morning. And in 12 hours, the number of cases went up to 51.

That number is out of 251 suspected cases tested for H1N1 and there are 70 more sampled being tested which could potentially increase the number of patients. HPA said that the spread of the disease is still increasing.

In an emergency press conference by the HPA, the Health Ministry and the Education Ministry, Pediatric Specialist at ADK Hospital, Abdulla Niyaf said that after discussions, they have decided to raise the disease alert level to three on Swine Flu.

The schools have been closed due to the disease up until after the mid-term break. While the mid-term break is next week, Education Ministry said that they would extend the closing of the schools if necessary.

HPA also advises that the private schools be closed as well.

At the press conference, the Health Ministry announced that there have been 26 fatalities from Swine Flu in the country.