The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has called upon the public to stay vigilant following a significant rise in cases of dengue, diarrhea, and other prevalent illnesses amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Sana Saleem, the Public Health Coordinator at HPA, stressed that the increase in travel, both domestically and internationally, has contributed to the spread of these common diseases. Saleem also drew attention to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) alert regarding the upsurge of dengue cases in several countries within the region.
Highlighting the vulnerability of pregnant women and children to dengue, Aminath Arusha, another Public Health Coordinator at HPA, underscored the importance of preventive measures. These measures include wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and maintaining good hand hygiene to minimize the risk of contracting colds and flu. Arusha further warned that cases of influenza and COVID-19 are also being reported and urged individuals at high risk to receive influenza vaccinations and adopt necessary measures to protect themselves from COVID-19.
It is a known trend for common diseases to escalate during holiday periods. As a result, the HPA is urging the public to remain cautious and take individual-level precautions accordingly.
