Authorities urge public to seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit symptoms of measles, following detection of new cases

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to seek immediate medical advice if they exhibit any symptoms of measles, following the detection of new cases in the Maldives.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to seek immediate medical attention and expedite treatment if any symptoms of measles are detected. Highlighting the key indicators of the disease, the HPA noted that symptoms include fever, coughing, the appearance of red rashes, and redness of the eyes. The agency further cautioned that the virus can be transmitted to others from four days before the rash appears until four days after its onset.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stated that measles spreads very easily through the respiratory system when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Consequently, the agency has urged the public to remain vigilant for symptoms and to wear masks.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) issued this appeal following the detection of seven positive cases so far this year. Additionally, more than 74 contacts associated with these cases have been identified.

The prevalence of this disease is currently on the rise globally, as well as in neighboring countries. With the upcoming Eid al-Adha holidays, authorities are urging the public to get vaccinated as a precautionary measure, particularly as many people are traveling to various islands and abroad.

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the Maldives a measles-free country. However, despite this certification, several cases of the disease were recorded in the Maldives as recently as 2023.