Influenza victim dies in IGMH

A local man has passed away after contracting influenza.

The man has been named as Mohamed Rafeeu (51 yrs) from Mariyaaz, M. Muli. He passed away while receiving treatment for influenza at IGMH last night.

A family member of Rafeeu spoke to “Sun” and said that Rafeeu had been ill for about a month and was tested positive for influenza and pneumonia.

“The hospital on the island first informed that it was dengue, so we came to Male’ and he had been receiving treatment from IGMH for two weeks. Powerful medications such as antibiotics did not help him so we tried to transport him abroad for medical care but we couldn’t since it was risky due to his low oxygen levels. He was very well right up until he fell ill, and he did not usually fall ill” said the family member.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has cautioned citizens to stay alert regarding the spread of influenza. Around 261 people were tested for influenza last month and out of these 130 people were tested positive.