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Small pimple, but fatal By Ahmed Abdullah Haveeru, 16 September 2002 translated by Maldives Culture editors First a small pimple appears; followed by a fever. After few days the fever is gone but the top of the pimple festers and becomes a sore that grows one to two centimetres wide. This is followed by a much more severe fever, and from then on, the disease becomes life threatening. These are some of the symptoms of a new fever disease discovered in Maldives. The situation is most serious in Gaddhoo island, in Huvadhu, or Gaaf Dhaalu, atoll. Dr Ahmed Razi, Director of Medical Administration and senior medical consultant at the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, went to that island to investigate the fever. He said that, in general, it affects children and young people. A flea that lives in cats and rats, and which is sometimes found in human hair, is the main cause of this newly discovered disease, according to the doctor. There is a large population of wild cats in Gaddhoo, according to the island people who spoke to Dr Razi. The fleas that live in cats and rats normally don't spread disease. But when the fleas drop from their host, they look for dark places to hide. Human arm pits and groin areas are ideal places for hiding. Fleas bite when they get hurt in some way. The swelling caused by the bite does not cause pain, or even an itch. No pus, or watery fluid, is formed. The bitten area stays quiet for a while, and becomes a sore all of a sudden. The germs enter the body through this sore. If not treated soon after infection, this disease may become life threatening. When he was asked about preventative measures, Dr Razi said, 'It is a good idea to take a shower before going to sleep at night (if it doesn't cause health problems). At the same time, change the sheets and bed linen, or otherwise give it all a good shake. And also see a doctor quickly if a small pimple appears in the armpit, neck, and groin area along with a feverish feeling.' The doctor advised that it is important to have the sunlight come into the house. The most important thing in avoiding this disease is to take extreme care in personal hygiene. At the same time, cleanliness inside the house is also very important. When the germs get inside the body, it stops the functioning of vital organs. The two children suffering from the disease at the Indhira Gandhi hospital, died of multiple organ failure. top

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Editors and translators: Michael O'Shea and Fareesha Abdulla, Australia
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