The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged Maldivians returning from Umrah to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of flu and viral fever.
With schools closed, a large number of people are currently travelling for Umrah, and health officials note that many pilgrims often fall ill upon returning to the Maldives or during their travel. The HPA has therefore advised returnees to take extra care during the first days after arrival.
According to the agency, individuals, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wear masks during travel, and wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
ޢުމްރާގެ އަޅުކަމަށްފަހު ގިނަ ބަޔަކު އަނބުރާ ރާއްޖެއަންނަން ފަށާއިރު، ނޭވާލުމުގެ ނިޒާމުން ފެތުރޭ ބަލިތައް މަދު ކުރުމަށްޓަކައި މިކަންކަމަށް ސަމާލުކަން ދެއްވާ!#Umrareturnee pic.twitter.com/uNMYvgWaDK
— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) January 4, 2026
Additional advice issued by the HPA includes:
Avoid crowded places if you have a fever or cough  
Do not approach or hug children if you are unwell  
Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain within 14 days of returning from Hajj or Umrah  
Inform your doctor that you have recently returned from pilgrimage  
The HPA also outlined simple home‑care steps for those with cold symptoms, such as drinking plenty of fluids, getting adequate rest, and avoiding any medication other than paracetamol unless advised by a doctor.
According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, 7,726 Maldivians have travelled for Umrah between December and this month. Pilgrims are expected to begin returning next week, and health facilities sometimes establish dedicated flu clinics during peak return periods.