Common cold, diarrhea cases surge, dengue cases drop in June

Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Monday has reported that the number of common cold and diarrhea cases reported in June increased while dengue fever cases declined.

HPA shared statistics of diseases reported in May and June 2024.

According to statistics, a total of 22,983 common cold cases were reported in May which increased to 32,738 cases in June. A total of 395 individuals were tested for influenza in June, out of which 137 tested positive. HPA reports a total of 1,753 people tested for the disease, out of which 337 people tested positive.

Diarrhea cases stood at 3,508 in May, which increased to 5,179 in June this year.

Despite increments in both common cold and diarrhea cases, dengue fever declined from 675 cases in May to 623 cases last month.

HPA has advised cautionary action against viral diseases currently spiking across the Maldives. In its advisory, HPA has instructed the following to avoid contracting viral diseases;

• Washing hands frequently with soap or antiseptic
• Avoid visiting people who have contracted diseases
• Increase fluid intake if contracted with fever or cold
• Seek doctor's consultation if conditions prolong more than three days
• Less people accompanying the patient to the hospital
• Clean and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before use or consumption

On Thursday last week, HPA cautioned the public regarding the surge in three contagious diseases spreading across Maldives currently.