H1N1 influenza (swine flu) is spreading at a rapid rate in Maldives, especially in the capital, Male' City.
The alert level has been increased to Level III following the sharp increase in number of confirmed cases of the flu.
10:20
Education Ministry has said that they had not yet made a decision on resuming schools next week.
Media Official of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) told Sun Media today that the status of the influenza has been shared with the Education Ministry and a decision would be made by the Education Ministry.
The Media Official of the Education Ministry said that no decision has been made as of yet.
Sources say that the Ministry is working to made a decision and announce today.
18:29
Eight more tested positive for H1N1 among the people tested for the influenza yesterday. Statistics released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) today show 26 people tested for H1N1 yesterday.
So far 437 people have been tested in total out of which 155 people have been tested positive and 33 of them are hospitalized and undergoing treatment.
13:09
Vaccination has started for the elderly and people in treatment for major diseases.
The vaccination list currently include:
- Pregnant women
- People who have had a Transplant
- Cancer patients
- People with chronic respiratory diseases
- Dialysis patients
- People over the age of 65
17:42
Cesarean patient and child still in critical
Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has said that the H1N1 patient and her child who was born through cesarean are still in critical condition. The patient was brought in critical condition from Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi on Wednesday and the surgery was done on the same night.
The child was six months old when he went under surgery. And is now being treated at the NICU while the mother is on the ventilator at the ICU.
17:10
HPA has said that the number of H1N1 patients have doubled. While 36 people were tested yesterday, 24 of them were tested positive for H1N1 influenza and 22 of them are currently under treatment.
17:08
Expatriate dies with H1N1 while under going treatment on ventilator at the ICU.
13:03
ADK Hospital has said that they would start vaccinating cancer patients and those who have done transplants along with pregnant women today.
Vaccinations would be held from Saturdays to Thursdays between 3 pm. And 9 p.m. at the hospital’s vaccine room.
The hospital said that national identity cards and doctors notes and antenatal card for pregnant women would be required when coming in for vaccinations.
ADK said that they would announce when vaccinations for others would be available at a later date.
10:03
Consultations have dropped at the flu clinic in ADK Hospital.
Statistics from the ADK Hospital flu clinic at the MNU Faculty on Sosun Magu and the Mobile Flu Clinic show that 145 people were consulted regarding flu symptoms by the end of yesterday.
The number is significantly lower compared to the 250 consultations on Saturday.
14:33
Nine out of the 25 people tested for H1N1 yesterday have been tested positive.
The number of positive cases have now gone up to 123 out of 375 people who was tested.
The number of people who consulted due to flu in the atolls have also gone up to 1179 yesterday compared to Friday's 835.
14:31
Family visitations to people in police custody has been brought to a hold in an effort to prevent the spread of H1N1 influenza.
Private and family visits for inmates in jail has also been seized.
13:00
Dr. Afeef: Not safe to import and administer flu vaccine by individuals.
The pediatrician, Dr. Abdulla Afeef said that it has been noted that some people are administrating the vaccine one their own and it is not the safest way since it could lead to allergies if the product was not stored appropriately.
11:44
The former royal residence in Utheemu commonly known as Utheemu Ganduvaru (Palace) has been temporarily closed in an effort to reduce the number of mass gatherings to combat the spread of H1N1 influenza.
Department of Heritage issued a press release today saying that it would not be good for people to gather at the landmark during the outbreak.
22:33
State Trading Organization (STO) has said that they are supplying the medications and vaccines needed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in the battle against the rapidly spreading H1N1 influenza in the country.
Speaking to the press from the STO Distribution Center in Ghiyasuddeen School to supply medications to the atolls, the Managing Director, Ahmed Shaheer said that the demand for medicine has risen high due to the H1N1 outbreak. And the demand are being met and medications are being freighted and brought in.
He said that medications are being provided nonstop to the pharmacies in the atolls through the distribution center. And that the STO Pharmacies are being stocked with cold and flu medicine so it won’t run out.
STO said that the demand for the medication has risen by 30-40 percent due to the H1N1 influenza and the demand is being met.
15:14
HPA has said that six people are being treated after testing positive for H1N1.
While eight people were tested yesterday, six tested positive and are being treated at the hospitals in Malé City according to HPA statistics published today.
13:45
Lanka Hospital: No Maldivians treated for swine flu
Lanka Hospital has denied the rumors on social media claiming that a group of Maldivians with H1N1 influenza was treated at Lanka Hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The statement issued by the Group Chief Executive Officer of Lanka Hospital, Dr. Prasad Medawatte said that only 12 Maldivians are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital and ten of them are surgical operations, two are for general medical care and there are none admitted with swine flu symptoms.
Dr. Medawatte said that the rumors were baseless and defamatory aimed at tarnishing the image of the hospital.
15:13
While a number of people are resorting to wearing masks to stay clear of the H1N1 influenza spreading in the country, Dr/ Abdulla Niyaf has advised to cover the nose and mouth for the mask to perform it’s function.
He said that there is no point in wearing the mask on the mouth alone. And so the mask should be worn so that it covers the mouth and the nose.
11:34
Elections Commission has pushed back the Local Council Election to 6 May 2017 under HPA advisement due to the H1N1 influenza spreading across the country.
The announcement was made at a press conference last night.
17:36
HPA: Number of people tested positive for H1N1 raises to 108.
13:35
Pregnant employees of Local Government Authority (LGA) has received paid leave until notified otherwise.
22:41
HDC gives paid leave to employees that are pregnant and treating major diseases.
HR Director HDC, Ahmed Fathih told Sun Media that aside from giving a paid leave to their pregnant employees and those in treatment for major diseases, they are also taking precaution to prevent an outbreak in Hulhumalé.
He said that they are working with Aasandha to fogg certain areas on Hulhumalé. And so they have neutralized 76 locations at construction sites that could breed mosquitoes with chemicals.
We are working closely with relevant authorities to educate the public about the influenza outbreak, by distributing awareness materials. pic.twitter.com/fZUf4oJpRM
MPL’s pregnant employees given paid leave
Pregnant women working for Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) have been asked to stay home on paid leave until instructed otherwise.
MPL announced the decision via a press statement it released this Thursday.
The company noted that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure as the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) was especially risky for pregnant women.
MPL said that though the employees were not required to work during the leave, they are required to provide assistance if requested by the company.
16:32
Chief Justice Abdull Saeed has made the decision to grant all pregnant women working in judiciary leave from work as a precautionary measure against the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) – which is especially risky for pregnant women.
15:31
ADK Hospital introduces mobile flu-clinic
ADK Hospital has announced it will have a mobile flu-clinic which will provide services in different areas of Male’ City in dealing with the H1N1 influenza outbreak.
ADK Hospital has set up a flu-clinic at the building in front of the hospital which houses Faculty of Health Sciences of Maldives National University.
The hospital reports its mobile flu-clinic with provide its services in two areas of the city this Thursday.
15:25
Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has granted its pregnant employees paid-leave until Health Protection Agency revokes its alert due to H1N1 influenza outbreak.
15:15
Maldivian reports cancellation of tickets booked for the mid-term holidays as Health Protection Agency advises people against travelling and avoiding crowded areas.
15:10
Majority of patients admitted to IGMH with flu are children
IGMH reports that most of the patients admitted to the hospital with symptoms of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) are children.
IGMH issued a statement which shows 48 patients have been admitted to the hospital with symptoms of H1N1, out of whom 24 are children.
14:16
Positive H1N1 cases rise to 105:
- Number of people who tested positive for the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) virus has risen to 105 people.
- The number means 23 more people have now tested positive for the H1N1 virus than the 82 confirmed cases announced last Wednesday night.
- 335 people have been screened for H1N1 influenza
13:52
Everyone with symptoms of flu have been advised to consult a doctor. However, only those found to have specific symptoms which is identified by medical examiners during the screening process at flu clinics will be tested for the H1N1 virus.
Doctors have a checklist. Doctors will instruct for the test to be done on only those who manifest certain symptoms on their checklist.
13:19
Family, conjugal visits for prison inmates suspended:
- Maldives Correctional Service has put a hold on all family and conjugal visits for inmates as a protective measure against the H1N1 influenza outbreak
- The suspension is in effect starting this Thursday
- The suspension will apply to Male’ Prison, K. Maafushi Prison and Asseyri Prison in Hinmafushi
13:12
HRCM:
Human Rights Commission of Maldives is allowing its employees with family members ill with H1N1 influenza leave from work.
12:50
Pregnant civil servants asked to stay home
Pregnant women working in civil service positions have been granted leave from work indefinitely as they are categorized as a high-risk group for complications as a result of H1N1 virus.
12:22
ADK Hospital:
- 254 people received treatment from ADK Hospital’s flu-clinic on March 15
- Out of the 254 people; 137 are male and 117 are female
- ADK Hospital’s flu-clinic is located at Maldives National University’s business school in Sosun Magu
- Healthcare from ADK Hospital’s flu-clinic is free of charge
11:04
All EC’s pregnant employees given leave
All employees of Elections Commission who are pregnant have been given leave in light of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) outbreak in the country.
10:46
Woman with fever in Eydhafushi suffers heart attack, dies
Fathimath Najuma Moosa, 59, from Lily Park in B. Eydhafushi - admitted to Eydhafushi Hospital with high fever - has passed away after going into cardiac arrest.
Eydhafushi Hospital reports she had a history of heart disease and respiratory issues.
Najuma was admitted to the hospital three days back with high fever.
It is however uncertain whether Najuma was infected with the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) virus currently spreading across the country at an unprecedented rate.
Eydhafushi Hospital has the facilities to take samples to screen for the virus, but not the screening facilities itself – which is available from Male’ City.
10:44
HPA: Arrangements being made so samples can be taken from the atolls
Health Protection Agency reports its making arrangements so that samples can be taken from patients living in the atolls who show symptoms of the flu for H1N1 influenza (swine flu).
10:02
51-year-old woman infected with H1N1 dies
A 51-year-old woman from F. Nilandhoo who tested positive for H1N1 influenza (swine flu) has passed away.
The woman is Fathimath Ismail from Buruneege in F. Nilandhoo.
She passed away last Wednesday night while receiving treatment at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male’ City.
Fathimath Ismail was taken to IGMH for complications related to her kidney, but was screened for H1N1 when she showed symptoms of the flu.
09:04
Minister: Health sector has nothing to hide
Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has declared the health sector has nothing to hide or withhold from the general public regarding the current H1N1 influenza (swine flu) outbreak in the country.
In an interview with “Channel 13” on Wednesday night, Minister Nazim said the Ministry of Health had been working with relevant authorities to have necessary steps from the moment the virus came to the attention of the ministry.
He said that no one had been misled in any way.
There is no reason why the health sector needs to hide anything. The mechanism for maintaining and explaining of our statistics to the general public is efficient and organized. There’s mechanism in place through which anyone who wishes to can view the statistics.
00:09
HPA: Four people in critical condition with cold is being treated at IGMH. Two of them have tested positive for swine flu.
23:59
Pregnant employees of the Auditor General’s Office excused from work as well due to high risk of swine flu for pregnant women.
23:01
Pregnant woman from Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo suspected of swine flu to brought to Malé City.
Four people believed to have swine flu are being treated at the AbdulSamad Memorial Hospital in Thinadhoo.
19:31
Number of confirmed swine flu patients rise to 82. The figure comes out after 279 suspected cases were tested.
Statistics published by the HPA today show that 31 confirmed cases of swine flu yesterday alone.
It also shows that the diseases is most active in Raa atoll where 157 people have requested treatment for cold and fever.
No. of people who requested treatment yesterday:
- Malé City: 898
- From the atolls: 1416
No. of people admitted yesterday:
- Malé City: 4
- From the atolls: 27
19:09
Pregnant employees of MNU excused from attendance
With the risk of swine flu for pregnant women, Maldives National University (MNU) has temporarily excused all of their pregnant employees from attending work.
MNU set a duration of seven days from tomorrow, 16 March 2017 Thursday, where all of their pregnant employees do not have to attend work.
The decision was made in a letter sent to all of the MNU faculties signed by the Vice Chancellor MNU, Dr. Ali Fayaz Shareef.
17:05
H1N1 influenza spreads in India, fatalities reported
Maharashtra State: More than 100 people have tested positive for H1N1 influenza. 26 fatalities have been reported, out of which 16 fatalities took place in March alone. Most of the fatalities were from the city of Pune. A 46-year-old infected with H1N1 has died, and three have tested positive over the past 10 days in the city of Nagpur
Rajasthan: Four fatalities reported. 80 people tested, out of whom 16 people have tested positive for H1N1. Two new positive cases last Tuesday.
Gujrat: Two fatalities over the last two weeks from city of Rajkot.
Tamil Nadu: More than 1,000 have tested positive. 9 fatalities up until February 17.
Telangana: 27 people tested positive. 11 fatalities from August to date.
Karnataka: Approximately 300 positive cases starting from late February. 7 fatalities from the State this year.
16:04
Kinbidhoo MP Abdulla Riyaz has requested the Government Oversight Committee of People’s Majlis to monitor the government’s measures in dealing which the outbreak of H1N1 influenza in Maldives.
Abdulla Riyaz noted in his request that the outbreak has resulted in one fatality while a woman and child infected with the virus is reportedly in critical condition.
He asked that the committee oversee the government’s efforts to contain the outbreak.
16:24
IGMH has extended time duration during which influenza vaccine is administered to pregnant women to 6 pm this Wednesday.
The vaccine will be administered from 8 am to 4 pm as previously announced, starting from next Thursday.
15:31
ADK Hospital gets ready to administer influenza vaccine to pregnant women.
Chief Medical Officer of ADK Hospital, Dr. Abdulla Niyaf said influenza vaccine will be administered to pregnant women from Vaccination Room on the second floor of the hospital starting this Wednesday.
The vaccines will be administered from 3 pm to 6 pm every day, except for Fridays.
14:41
Though masks go not provide 100 percent protection to uninfected people from contracting the virus, it’s effective when worn by those infected as it acts as a barrier which prevents the virus from getting transmitted to others.
The droplets expelled when a person sneezes is larger in size than the virus. There is less chance it can go through the holes in the mask. It reduces the chance the virus is transmitted when those infected wear masks.
16:03
Director of HPA, Maimoona Abu Bakr reports there has been an increase in number of people who tested positive for H1N1.
Maimoona said HPA will be issuing a press statement later this Wednesday to release the updated number of positive cases and other details regarding the outbreak.
14:00
Maldives Association of Construction Industry has appealed to construction companies to adhere to HPA’s guidelines at construction worksites amid the H1N1 swine flu outbreak in the country.
13:30
IGMH administers vaccine to pregnant women
- IGMH has started administering influenza vaccine for pregnant women
- IGMH reports the vaccine will be administered from its Reproductive Health Clinic from 8 am to 4 pm
- Women are required to present their pregnancy cards and national ID card
Influenza vaccination to pregnant ladies will be give from IGMH RHC from 8am to 4pm. Bring id card and pregnancy card along. @HPA_MV
IGMH reports 1,098 people have been treated at the hospital over the last four days for symptoms of the flu.
IGMH opened a flu-clinic on Saturday, March 11 over the rapid spread of flu in the city.
The flu-clinic has since been relocated to nearby Thaajuddin School over the massive number of people showing up at the clinic with symptoms of the flu. STO has opened one of its pharmacies at the school.
09:10
A large number of people with symptoms of the flu arriving at the IGMH flu-clinic in Thaajuddin School.
State Trading Organization has opened one of its pharmacies at the school.
People are still arriving in large numbers to consult a doctor. The flu-clinic at Thaajuddin School will be open 24/7.
00:02
Pregnant woman suspected of having swine flu has undergone a Caesarean. Sources say that the woman was brought in from Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi for further treatment.
22:47
STO Pharmacy opened at Thaajuddeen Flu-Clinic.
22:42
Flu-clinic at ADK Hospital will be relocated to the MNU campus on Sosun Magu starting from tomorrow, 15 March 2017 and will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
21:00
The temporary IGMH flu-clinic at Thaajuddeen School is for those showing symptoms of cold and fever according to the hospital. The hospital said that there they do not have to go to the flu-clinic if there is no signs of a fever.
Whiles six stations have been established at the flu-clinic, there are pediatricians, nurses and internal medicine specialists.
19:40
Health Minister, has made a visit after Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has moved their flu clinic to Thaajuddeen School due to overcrowding at the flu clinic at the hospital.
19:04
ADK halts patient visitations at the hospital. The hospital said that they have banned patient visits at three units in an effort to control the spread of viral flu and fevers.
Patient visits at ADK Hospital are banned at the following units:
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- High Dependency Unit (HDU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
18:56
Measles and rubella vaccination, M-R-Vax temporarily on hold by the HPA to control the spread of H1N1 influenza.
18:50
Maldivian Idol cancels weekend shows due to the different viral flu spreading across the country. The PSM Statement said that the shows were postponed to next week to support government efforts to control the spread of diseases.
18:27
HPA advises the use of masks by those showing symptoms instead of those that aren't.
Evidence does not support the use of masks by healthy ppl 2prevent getting infected by flu.But ppl wit flu symptoms r recommended 2use masks
Makita Junior Athletics Championship postponed
• Makita Junior Athletics Championship scheduled from March 20 to March 23 in Addu City has been postponed
• Athletics Association reports the decision was due to the outbreak in H1N1 influenza in the country
16:35
Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) has decided to allow leave from work for all its pregnant staff members.
16:24
Ministry of Health reports it has a sufficient stock of vaccine and medicine for the H1N1 virus.
It reports that the vaccine is being administered as advised by doctors.
Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim reported that it had sufficient stock of vaccine and medicine, and was arranging for additional stocks to be brought in if needed.
We have the vaccine. It's being administered as instructed by doctors. For example, for pregnant women.
16:09
R. Dhuvaafaru Health Center reports rapid spread of the H1N1 influenza on the island.
Ali Rasheed from Dhuvaafaru Health Center reports 20 to 30 people visiting the health center each day with symptoms of the flu.
Eight people were admitted and then later released last night alone. There are currently five patients admitted with fever and flu. The number is increasing.
15:25
Beautiful Eyes of Maldives and Tiny Hearts of Maldives cancels its event amid the flu outbreak.
Founder of Beautiful Eyes of Maldives, Ahmed Ansan reports its event to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 has been cancelled
15:20
Maldivian Democratic Party has appealed to the government to avoid hiding vital information and increase transparency regarding the flu outbreak.
During a press conference held this Tuesday afternoon, MDP accused the government of hiding vital information regarding the flu outbreak for political reasons.
16:09
Good hygiene, especially washing hands after using the toilet and before and after eating is of vital importance
15:00
Ministry of Health advises the general population not to take children to public or crowded places. And for those with flu to avoid going out.
14:49
Important taxi drivers, pharmacists wear facemasks
Authorities have instructed taxi drivers, pharmacists to wear facemasks while working
• Taxis will transport patients infected with H1N1 virus
• Those infected touching the taxi, coughing or sneezing inside the taxi will increase the rate the virus is spread
• Taxi drivers, pharmacists need to clean their hands more frequently
• Prescriptions taken to pharmacies may not be clean
14:38
Pharmacies run out of facemasks
• Pharmacies have run out of facemasks after authorities advised the general population to take preventive measures against the flu outbreak
• State Trading Organization’s pharmacies have also run out of facemasks
• Hand sanitizers are currently available from some shops, but its estimated shops will run out of hand sanitizers within the next two days
14:34
MNU postpones graduation
• MNU has postponed its graduation indefinitely
14:13
Health Ministry
• Situation less serious in the atolls compared to Male’ City
• Protocol to deal with the flu being relayed to atolls
14:10
Cricket Board of Maldives
Cricket Board of Maldives has suspended its events and activities indefinitely.
13:55
IGMH flu clinic expands operations to Thaajuddin School
The number of people visiting IGMH’s flu clinic has overwhelmed the hospital and arrangements are being made so that flu clinic services are available from Thaajuddin School’s hall.
Operations are set to begin at 2 pm.
13:54
Colleges suspend classes due to flu outbreak
Villa College reports classes at the college have been suspended from this Tuesday to end of next week.
Cyrx College reports its classes have been suspended from this Tuesday until end of this week. Classes will resume on Saturday, March 25. The college reports that despite the suspension, the college campus will remain open from 10 am to 8 pm so that students can obtain necessary information.
Avid College has suspended its classes indefinitely.
13:35
IGMH Group of Hospitals has made the decision to hold annual leave of its staff working in IGMH and Hulhumale’ Hospital due to the flu outbreak.
A memo issued by Director of IGMH Group of Hospitals states the decision was taken to eliminate any hindrances in providing basic health care to the general population.
The memo said staff whose annual leaves are cancelled due to the decision will be provided their annual at a later date.
12:57
Suspected H1N1 influenza outbreak in R. Alifushi
R. Alifushi Health Center reports a suspected outbreak of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) on the island
• 50-75 patients received daily with symptoms of flu
• 2/3 show symptoms of swine flu
• No patient has tested positive for H1N1 virus yet
Community Health Officer at Alifushi Health Center, Mohamed Suhail said door-to-door visits were being conducted to inform residents of preventive measures
12:53
Inter-school volleyball tournament
• Volleyball Association of Maldives reports the final of the inter-school volleyball tournament this Tuesday night will continue as scheduled
• VAM asks that team supporters avoid attending the match
Teams from schools in the atolls came to Male’ at great expense. While they need to play the final match, postponing just the final match is a huge inconvenience. So I ask that, even though the final match will be held, supporters avoid going there to watch the match. This is my appeal as a safety measure.
12:37
Inter-school badminton tournament suspended
• Tournament suspended indefinitely
• Badminton court to be closed
• Arrangements being made for teams from atolls which travelled to Male’ City for tournament
12:33
Inter-school handball tournament postponed
• Tournament postponed indefinitely due to swine flu outbreak
• All handball events suspended
11:51
“Fish Camp” postponed
• “Fish Camp” held by Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture for school students has been postponed
• Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Hussain Sinaan said the camp scheduled for March 17 has been postponed after discussions with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education
• Sinaan said a new date for the camp will be decided based on situation
11:43
Ministry of Health
• Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim reports authorities are liaising with World Health Organization (WHO) to take all measures necessary
We are liaising with all agencies. We are working with the technical team. We are liaising with professional agencies such as the WHO
11:36
ADK Hospital
• ADK Hospital has issued a temporary suspension on visitations to its ICU, HDU and NICU as a preventive measure
• ADK Hospital advises against visitation of patients admitted at the hospital unless absolutely necessary
11:31
Classes at schools, universities suspended:
• Maldives National University (MNU) and Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) have suspended their classes
• Ministry of Education has ordered for all schools to be closed starting this Tuesday
11:25
Inter-school handball tournament:
• Handball Maldives reports its considering postponing the inter-school handball tournament scheduled to start on April 1
• President of Handball Maldives, Ahmed Ismail reports a decision will be made and announced this Tuesday
11:21
Inter-school badminton tournament:
• Badminton Association’s ExCo is currently discussing postponing the inter-school badminton tournament scheduled for this week
• Teams from schools in the atolls are due to arrive in Male’ City for the tournament, many have already arrived
10:55
Flu clinic at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) to remain operational 24/7.