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Scrub Typhus disease in Maldives By Ahmed Abdullah Haveeru 27 October 2002 Photos from AFRIMS website translated by Maldives Culture editors A variety of scrub typhus mite Four foreign experts are beginning research in Gadhoo island on Gaaf Dhaal atoll (southern Huvadhu) to discover more about the disease that recently appeared in the island. The experts are from the American and Thai Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), according to the Health Ministry. They are in Maldives to conduct research into scrub typhus, which is spread by mites from animals. AFRIMS is the most advanced institute of research into diseases spread by the world's animals. The team includes Major Dr Michael Louis, Director of Global Emerging Infection System at AFRIMS; Chief of Entomology Department, Dr James W Johns; and a specialist in Entomology and scrub typhus, Dr Kariankara. Scrub typhus lesion Dr Abdul Aziz Yusuf, Director of the Health Ministry, is accompanying the team of experts in Gadhoo, and he said that the team is gathering information about this disease, which also appeared in Maldives in the 1940s. 'The information gathered by the team of experts indicates that rats are playing an essential role in the spread of this disease,' said Dr Aziz, speaking on the phone. 'Hence, we urge people to safe-guard themselves from rats.' Three people have died from among those believed to have contracted this disease in Gadhoo. Two of the dead were children. 67 people have contracted the disease at various parts of Maldives since this disease first appeared in Gadhoo, according to the Health Ministry. American Military Forces Poster top

More epidemic news in Maldives Small pimple, but fatal Viral fever spreading in all atolls 2,700 people contract diarrhoea, viral fever, influenza and measles in four days E medicine Scrub Typhus Scrub typhus can produce unknown HIV suppressive factors Travellers' Health Typhus Fevers Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine Scrub typhus Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS)

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