The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a cautionary advisory, anticipating an increase in respiratory illnesses during this period. As many individuals return from Umrah and travel to different regions, the HPA foresees a potential rise in such illnesses within the Maldives.
In its statement today, the HPA emphasized the importance of vigilance and offered several recommendations. Individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever and cough are advised to wear masks in public spaces and refrain from visiting vulnerable groups, including the elderly and young children. The agency also recommends seeking medical attention for symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fatigue, or if symptoms do not improve over time.
Furthermore, the HPA stressed that those at higher risk of severe illness—such as individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma, compromised immune systems, the elderly, young children, and pregnant women—should seek medical care promptly, even if their symptoms appear mild.