MALE, Feb 15 (HNS) - Health Ministry has noted that the number of deaths caused by Dengue Fever is increasing and that the number of infected is greatly increasing in Male and the atolls.

Public Health’s Director General Ibrahim Shaheem said that until now, two children and one man has died this year because of the disease which is caused by a virus.

Health Ministry said that 10 - 12 new cases are reported daily. This means that more than 300 new cases are reported monthly.

Health Ministry’s Medical Director Dr. Ahmed Raazee said Tuesday that each day, more than two cases of the most dangerous forms of Dengue, namely Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Hemorrhagic Shock, are also reported.

The Ministry said that the number of those infected with the disease is increasing throughout Maldives. The Ministry said that since dangerous forms of the Dengue are being found on patients the number of fatalities is also increasing. However the statistics of the fatalities were not disclosed.

Health Ministry said that they are carrying out awareness programs about the disease spread by a daytime biting mosquito and that those involved in treating the infected are being informed of how to carry out the treatment and that things are being done to control mosquitoes.

Dr. Raazee said that the public should be aware that if a medicine other then Paracetemol is taken to lower the heat from fever it could turn out dangerous.

“The best thing to do is to give Paracetemol. Then liquids should be given,” Dr. Raazee said.

“Before the disease infects ways to prevent mosquito bites should be found. For example mosquito repellant sprays are available for a cheap cost. Those should be used.”