117 chikungunya, 40 dengue cases in a week

Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Monday evening revealed 117 cases of chikungunya and 40 cases of dengue fever reported within a week.

Both diseases caused from bacteria-borne mosquitoes, have been on the rise in recent weeks.

Statistics released from HPA showed that the cases reported more recently are from April 28 until May 04, 2024.

In May alone, HPA confirms 58 cases of chikungunya being reported on the first four days of the month, while 40 cases of dengue fever were reported during the same period.

Case numbers spiked the highest in April, with a total of 177 cases of chikungunya and 239 cases of dengue fever reported in the month.

Statistics further showed that dengue fever cases have been reported from the first month of 2024 till the last reviewed date, whereas chikungunya cases were reported from March onward, with just five cases reported in the month.

Moreover, cases reported in Greater Male' Area are comparatively higher than those reported across the atolls.

Earlier, in efforts to counter mosquitoes and the spread of diseases both Male' City Council and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) launched initiatives to fog the streets and public areas of Male' City and Hulhumale', respectively.

HPA recommends taking proper rest, increasing fluid intake and healthy food consumption if anyone shows symptoms of the diseases.

The authority also recommended using mosquito repellents and lotions, as well as draining any thing that could become a container for stagnant water.

If the symptoms prolong, HPA requests seeking immediate medical attention as well.