Is dengue fever a risk in the Maldives and how to protect yourself?

Maldivian resorts commonly treat their grounds for mosquitoes, but this does not guarantee that mosquitoes will be absent. Bite levels can vary with humidity and dense vegetation, so repellent is still advisable.

Many dengue cases have been reported in the Maldives this year. The mosquitoes that transmit it can be small and nearly silent, so use bite protection even when you do not notice insects.

Both dengue and sand fleas can turn up on any Maldivian island (and across Asia generally), but risk is higher on larger, more crowded islands — for example Villa Park, which is very large and densely populated — since dengue spreads via mosquito bites. Repellent helps, and media coverage often exaggerates the danger.

Dengue has been confirmed not only on Iru Fushi but also on Bandos island — travelers were infected during their stay and tests confirmed it after returning home. Protect yourself thoroughly: use repellent and cover up in the evenings.

Insect repellent is sold in local shops on the Maldives, so you don't have to bring it from home. Reports of dengue cases linked to Thoddoo island circulated in spring. Even with protection, mosquito bites can still happen — stay vigilant.

Multiple dengue fever cases were reported across the Maldives in late June. The situation is ongoing and travelers should take it seriously.