Maldives: Viral Fever epidemic at Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo escalating

[Shiloh]

Source: http://miadhu.com.mv/news.php?id=8997

Viral Fever epidemic at Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo escalating
13 January 2009
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Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo Island Chief Ali Yousuf has said that it has been more than a month since a viral fever broke out at the island, but that no related government authority has given assistance towards the situation.

"We are not getting any support from the government. Despite being one month since the viral fever broke out, there haven't been much concern from them" said Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo Island Chief Ali Yosuf.

Speaking to Miadhu News about the outbreak, the Island Chief said that it has been more than a month since it broke out, claiming more than 65% of the island's population as victims. He said that the island lacks the facilities and medical supplies required to treat the casualties.

He revealed that although the island Health Center is officialy a 24 hour center, the Center only provides service until around 23:00 hours due to staff shortages. He said that the Center only has 6 patient beds, and that 70 extra beds had to be brought to treat patients at the Center.

The Island Health Center told Miadhu News that 3 types of fever are spreading through the island, that being dengue fever, chicken gunyer, and a fever. Isdhoo Kalaidhoo Community Health worker Adam Moosa said that generally saying, it is a viral fever epidemic that has taken the island by storm. He further said that around 30 people visit the Health Center every day, and that 5 people are hospitalized at the time being. He said that 2 doctors are seeing the sick at the island, and that the doctors are working from 09:00 to 22:00 hours.

Doctors had been sent from L.Gan Regional Hospital upon requests made by Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo 3 weeks ago. Meanwhile, the Regional Hospital yesterday sent medical supplies to the Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Maldives: Viral Fever epidemic at Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo escalating

Disease Outbreak In Laamu Atoll

13 January 2009 Maryam Omidi

The outbreak of chikungunya, viral fever and dengue fever on several islands in Laamu Atoll has been described as an ?epidemic? by the deputy director of L. Gan Hospital.

Ali Nasir said the outbreak began around a month ago on Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo before spreading to several other islands including Fonadhoo and Gaadhoo.

He said although the problem was an annual occurrence, ?this year is worse than before? as ?more than 1,000 people have been affected?.

Nasir explained the situation could be described as an epidemic as 10 people were being diagnosed with one of the three diseases on a daily basis, although very few had contracted dengue.

But, two employees at the health centre at Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo have said the figure was closer to around 25 to 30 a day.

Dr Kiran Singh, an Indian doctor at the health centre, has said although he would not refer to the situation as an epidemic, the number was steadily increasing. ?In total there are 25 people coming from morning to evening.?

A community worker at the health centre, Adam Moosa, blamed the outbreak on mosquitoes.

He said the problem had begun over a month ago but had deteriorated and there were currently, ?30 people coming daily?.

But, he said, only up to six people could be admitted at any one time because of the number of beds at the health centre.

Mohamed Latheef, an Isdhoo Island office employee, said the lack of resources was making it difficult to deal with the problem effectively. ?We need materials and equipment,? he said. ?Medicine is also a problem and there is not enough staff.?

According to Nasir, the hospital is taking preventative measures to see to the outbreak.

?Every day we are sending teams to the islands to spray mosquito areas and along with that we are cleaning islands with the help of people.?


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