Flu outbreak in Hirilandhoo; H1N1 suspected

Th. Hirilandhoo Council reports the island is facing a huge flu outbreak, the most likely suspect of which is influenza, more specifically H1N1 or swine flu.

President of Hirilandhoo Council, Mohamed Jalaal reported to “Sun” this Tuesday that the flu outbreak has been going on for the last four days or so. He said that more than 40 people have been treated at the health center for flu over the past 38 hours alone.

Hirilandhoo has the population of 1,200 people.

“Most of the victims of the outbreak are adults. Most are males over the age of 30. There’s no critical case at the moment,” said Jalaal.

He said a team of health experts from the Th. Atoll Hospital was sent to Hirilandhoo. And that it was the opinion of the team that the outbreak was most likely influenza.

“A team from the Atoll Hospital came and took samples. We haven’t received the results yet.

The team included a doctor. The doctor said he thinks its swine flu,” said Jalaal.

Jalaal said the council was running programs to destroy mosquito breeding grounds and increase health awareness in the community amid the flu outbreak.

“Sun” was unable to reach Ministry of Health for a comment on the situation.

Widespread H1N1 outbreak in Maldives earlier this year resulted in a number of fatalities, including children.