Health Protection Agency (HPA) states dengue fever cases across all atolls increased in July compared to June while flu cases decreased.
According to statistics published by HPA, 188 dengue cases were reported in July, up from 168 in June.
This marks an increase of 20 cases. HPA said dengue cases increased across all atolls in July.
While influenza cases have been on the rise since May, most influenza cases have been reported from Male’ area.
A total of 2,066 people have tested for influenza so far this year, of which 693 people tested positive for the disease.
In this regard, 239 influenza cases were reported in last three weeks of May. Out of these cases, 85 percent, accounting for 228 cases, were reported from Male’.
Although testing for influenza decreased in July compared to June, positive cases increased in July compared to June. Their details are as follows:
Influenza tests in July: 597
Positive cases: 314
Influenza tests in June: 608
Positive cases: 185
Diarrhea cases reported in July also increased. In this regard, 5,528 diarrhea cases were reported in July, up from 3,946 in June.
However, flu cases decreased in July compared to June. In this regard, 30,705 flu cases were reported in July, down from 33,156 flu cases reported in June.
 
Individuals with influenza or the flu are encouraged to wear face masks when going outside and to use a tissue or clothing to cover their nose when sneezing. To avoid diarrhea and vomiting, the HPA recommends washing hands with soap before handling food or eating. In cases where someone develops these symptoms, the HPA advises drinking plenty of fluids, including ORS packets and coconut water, to stay hydrated.