HPA warns over sharp increase in Chikungunya cases

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has warned to exercise caution over a sharp increase in Chikungunya cases; a viral disease transmitted through mosquitoes.

HPA, noting the sharp increase in Chikungunya cases in April, said 46 cases have been reported from Male’ area alone.

“Cases reported in previous months were quite less,” HPA’s Spokesperson told Sun.

Symptoms of Chikungunya:

• Fever
• Headache
• Pain in joints

Preventing measures that can be taken against disease include:

• Dressing to cover as much as possible and applying mosquito repellants such as lotion or spray in exposed areas during daytime – whether inside the house or outside
• Closing doors and windows at dawn and dusk as mosquitos prefer to be active during these hours
• Destroying mosquito breeding grounds
• Cleaning household items such as plate racks that can retain water at least once a week
• Changing the water once a week if trees are planted in water
• Cleaning planting pots and empty water tanks in the household and ensuring they are positioned in a manner water cannot be retained
• Avoid discarding empty bottles, cans and items used for construction work that can retain water in public spaces
• Destroying items that can retain water discarded in public spaces or ensuring they are positioned in a manner water cannot be retained