HPA Urges Public to Maintain Hygiene to Prevent Holiday Disease Spread
HPA advised practising good hygiene and cleanliness to curb communicable diseases during holidays | Photo: MV+
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to maintain cleanliness and good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of communicable diseases during the holiday period.
Practice the following preventive measures during this holiday:
😷 Wear a mask if you’re unwell
🤒 Stay home if you’re sick
🧼 Wash hands often
🧴 Keep children’s hands and toys clean
Let’s keep the holidays healthy for everyone. ✨#HealthyHolidays #PublicHealth pic.twitter.com/H9G6shAurVadvertisement
The agency highlighted that increased passenger movement during holidays contributes to the rapid transmission of illnesses, including influenza and dengue. Cases of the common cold and diarrhoea are also prevalent at this time, with rising numbers of common cold reported among travellers returning from Umrah.
HPA data shows that dengue cases increased towards the end of 2025, with 413 cases recorded in December compared to 382 in November. This marks a significant rise from 2024, when 70 cases were reported in December and 140 in November.
HPA has urged the public to remain vigilant for dengue symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention if they appear. The agency also advised individuals who are unwell to self-isolate until fully recovered. Doctors have recommended wearing masks in public spaces to help prevent the spread of disease.
Residents are reminded to take precautions against mosquitoes and to maintain cleanliness and good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.
