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Maldives, the country of islands is now observing an outbreak of Chikungunya, a rare disease, spread by mosquito. The medical specialists are saying that due to heavy rain that has been going on for last few months, the disease is spreading at a very rapid pace. Till now, one hundred and thirty five Maldivians have been infected by this disease. I am quoting from the report published in Minivan news:

Chikungunya, a relatively rare form of viral fever, has recently been spreading throughout the Maldives and has been blamed for deaths in both Male’ and some Atolls.

Hospitals and health post are reportedly packed across the country with patients who have been diagnosed with the fever. One such hospital, IGMH, in Male', is so full that it is not admitting further patients.

Health experts say the fever is being spread through mosquitoes and that heavy rains over the last couple of months have increased the number of those infected.

As a result, the Department of Public Health is now calling on the public to drain every possible entity that harbours standing water, as they are favourable for mosquito breeding.

However, many people are saying that the government is not very active in solving this problem. According to the report published in Dhivehiobserver.com, last month, Minivan journalist talked with a Public Health official to find out about this new disease. The official denied that chikungunya is in Maldives but after few days the health officials said that the disease has found its way to this region.

Last month, I wrote about the outbreak of Chikungunya in Maldives. Even at that time the news reports said that government is not so much concerned about this disease. So many days have passed but there is no change in the situation. This is very disappointing. Maldives is a country that depends heavily on tourism. If this news spreads out then the number of tourists will decrease. I think government should take necessary steps to stop the spread of this disease ASAP!!!

Related articles:

Minivan News

Dhivehiobserver.com