Number of dengue cases increases, HPA urges caution

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged citizens to be cautious, and take preventative measures as cases of four diseases increased compared to last year.

According to the information shared by the HPA, the diseases with the increasing number of cases this year are dengue, common cold, influenza, diarrhoea, and vomiting.  

In this year April, the number of dengue cases was 92, of which 32 were recorded in the last week of the month.

In May, a total of 185 cases were recorded, of which 73 cases were in the last week of the month.

HPA advised to cover as much as possible, to make use of mosquito repellent, and to keep doors and windows closed early morning and, in the evening, as preventative measures. Moreover, they advised not to discard items like cans which can retain water out on the streets.

For those who contract the disease, some home remedies suggested were to drink more fluids, take Paracetamol, and consult a doctor when the fever exceeds three days.

While a total of 12,978 cases of the common cold were reported in April, the figure dropped to 4,105 for the month of May.

HPA stated that compared to April, the number of testing in May people after displaying symptoms of influenza has increased. They also revealed that of the samples tested, four came positive.

In order to curb the spread of the common cold, the agency urged to cover the mouth and nose properly when sneezing, observe proper hygiene and frequently wash hands.

Compared to 2021, the number of diarrhoea cases reported has also increased. In April 1,575 cases were reported, while in May it had increased to 1,824.