A filariasis case has been detected in Hulhumale'.
A health ministry official said an Indian national tested positive for filariasis in Hulhumale during a screening program, marking the latest case in a surge of incidents in the Maldives. He is currently receiving treatment.
Eradicated from the Maldives, the first cases of filariasis resurfaced at a health screening camp conducted in Kulhudhuffushi City on December 1 and 2. Following the detection of the disease, Maldivians are also being screened for the disease.
With the new case in Hulhumale, the total number of filariasis cases in the country has now reached 26. The Health Ministry has assured the availability of necessary medicines to treat those with filariasis in the Maldives. However, additional stocks of medicines are required as substantial reserves were not upheld following the eradication of the disease in the Maldives.
Health experts predict that filariasis cases are being identified because foreigners were allowed to enter the Maldives without medical check-ups in 2020. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has identified these cases as originating from "endemic" countries where filariasis is prevalent.
Filariasis is a contagious disease caused by the Culex mosquito, which lives in dirty water. The symptoms of filariasis are some skin thickening and swelling of the feet.
