20 individuals have tested positive for measles in the Maldives so far this year
The number of measles cases in the Maldives has risen to 20 this year following five new infections detected in the Greater Male' area, with the majority of cases involving Maldivian nationals over the age of 18. In response, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has launched targeted vaccination efforts for close contacts and healthcare workers to curb the spread of the disease. The agency urges the public to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear and emphasizes the importance of completing both doses of the measles vaccine.
Following the detection of two measles cases in Malé, despite the Maldives being classified as a measles-free country, authorities advise anyone exhibiting symptoms—particularly red rashes—to seek medical consultation immediately. | RaajjeMV
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that 20 cases of measles have been recorded in the Maldives so far this year.
According to details released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Tuesday, five additional cases of measles were detected in the Greater Male' area last week. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 20, with the agency noting that the majority of those infected are Maldivians. It was further highlighted that the bulk of the cases involve individuals over the age of 18.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has identified a total of 489 contacts linked to individuals who tested positive for measles. Among them, 88 contacts are currently under active monitoring.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that it is currently administering measles vaccinations to individuals identified as contacts of confirmed cases who have not yet completed the required two-dose regimen. To date, 220 contacts have been vaccinated, alongside 1,118 healthcare workers who have received the shot. Furthermore, a targeted vaccination campaign is underway for children under the age of 18 who have not completed their routine doses.
Regarding the symptoms of the disease, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) stated that measles rashes typically appear first on the face and neck. The rash then spreads to the chest, back, arms, and legs. It is noted that an infected person can transmit the virus to others from four days before the rash appears until four days after its onset. This is a highly contagious airborne disease that spreads rapidly through coughing and sneezing.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience a fever accompanied by red rashes, and to wear a mask when visiting healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the agency advised individuals suspected of being infected to remain in isolation until their test results are confirmed, and cautioned those exhibiting symptoms to avoid public gatherings.
While measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stated that those most at risk are individuals lacking immunity and those who have not completed the two-dose vaccine regimen. The Maldives introduced the MR vaccine into its national immunization program in 1983. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the Maldives measles-free in 2017. However, several cases of the disease have been detected across the country in recent years.
