Fonadhoo Island

Six New Filariasis Cases Recorded in Kulhudhuffushi, Active Infections Rise to 25

Six new filariasis cases were confirmed among migrant workers in Kulhudhuffushi City, bringing total active infections to 25. The cases were detected during a health screening programme from 1-19 December. A total of 434 individuals have been screened. The disease is primarily detected among migrant workers from endemic regions. Filariasis is caused by filarial worms spread by Culex mosquitoes. The Maldives was declared free of filariasis in 2016 after the last reported case in 2004 on Fonadhoo Island, Laamu Atoll. The first survey was in 1951 with WHO assistance, and a special eradication programme began in 1968.