The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported that 11 cases of chickenpox have been detected in K. Gulhi.
In a post on X yesterday, HPA stated that chickenpox cases are commonly seen in various parts of the Maldives every year. As such, by the end of this month, a total of 2,977 cases of chickenpox have been reported across the country.
This includes 1,506 cases from the Male' area and 1,471 cases from the atolls, according to HPA.
HPA said that 11 people from Gulhi have been reported positive for chickenpox this month. They also mentioned that two of these individuals are currently being treated at IGMH.
HPA explained that chickenpox is a viral disease that commonly affects children, but adults can also contract it.
HPA stated that even those who have not had chickenpox before can get infected, and once infected, the chances of getting it again are low. They emphasized the importance of getting the chickenpox vaccine for protection, which is available at pharmacies.
Symptoms of chickenpox:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Skin Rash (These rashes turn into blisters, which are very itchy and easily burst. Blisters appear on different parts of the body within two to three days)
- Fatigue
How chickenpox spreads:
- Through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- By touching the blisters of an infected person or using items they have used, such as towels or clothes
- The virus can spread from one person to another until the blisters have completely crusted over
How to protect yourself from chickenpox:
- Avoid visiting people who are infected
- The infected person/child should not go out until all the blisters have crusted over
- If infected with chickenpox, isolate from other people in the house
- Separate personal items (clothes, towels, toys, etc.) until recovery
