IGMH Urges Public to Mask Up Amid Rise in Flu and Dengue Cases

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has urged the public to mask up and exercise caution amid increasing reports of flu, dengue, and other viral illnesses.

In a statement issued today, IGMH said it has recorded a rise in patients seeking treatment for conditions including the common cold, diarrhoea and dengue fever. The hospital called on the public to adopt preventive measures to reduce the spread of illness.

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IGMH advised individuals with persistent cough symptoms to wear masks in public spaces. It also urged elderly people, those with chronic illnesses, children, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals to take extra precautions.

The hospital further recommended regular handwashing with soap or the use of hand sanitiser, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and avoiding hospital visits unless medically necessary.

Separately, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) issued a circular last Tuesday reminding the public to wear masks and maintain good hygiene during the holiday season to prevent illness.

The advisory comes as the Maldives is currently in the end-of-year academic break, with schools scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, January 27. The break traditionally leads to an increase in inter-atoll travel during this period, as families visit relatives, take holidays, and travel to Malé for back-to-school shopping. The year-end holiday period typically sees a rise in flu and other common illnesses in the country.