Influenza Cases Surge in the Maldives, HPA Urges Immediate Vaccination

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a call for individuals to receive vaccinations against various influenza strains following a recent surge in cases in the Maldives.

The increase in influenza instances was disclosed by Dr. Mohamed Ali, an internal medicine specialist in the Maldives, through a post on X this Sunday. 

Dr. Mohamed Ali noted the spread of Influenza A and H1N1 in the country in recent weeks, with three young individuals currently under ventilator treatment and one fatality reported in the past month. Despite these cases, an official outbreak of the disease is not anticipated.

In response to the situation, the HPA shared a post on X this last evening, providing statistical insights into the influenza situation.

HPA’s influenza statistics revealed the following positive cases:

• Last September: 41 cases
• Last October: 46 cases
• Last November: 24 cases
• Last December: 24 cases
• So far this month: 19 cases

Influenza, a prevalent respiratory ailment, tends to proliferate during specific periods, with common strains including H3N2, H1N1, and influenza B.

The HPA emphasised the crucial role of vaccination in protecting against both influenza and Covid-19.