HPA warns of dengue increase

The Health Protection Agency has asked people to take precautions as reports of dengue in Malé and the atolls have increased.

Local media reported that dengue cases are likely to rise and that people should take steps to prevent mosquito breeding and bites.

Symptoms of dengue include aches and small red pimples on the skin.

There are annual dengue outbreaks in the Maldives, although most cases are not life-threatening.

However several people died in 2016 because of the disease, including a seven-month old boy and a 61-year-old woman.