Two More Measles Cases Confirmed in Maldives, Total Reaches 22
The total number of measles cases in the Greater Male' Area has risen to 22 following the detection of two new infections. In response, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has launched a targeted vaccination campaign focusing on close contacts, healthcare workers, and children with incomplete immunization records to curb the spread. The agency urges the public to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear and advises wearing masks as a precautionary measure.
Although the Maldives has been certified as a measles-free country, two cases have recently been detected in Malé. Consequently, any individual exhibiting symptoms of measles, particularly the appearance of red rashes on the body, is advised to consult a doctor immediately. | RaajjeMV
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that two additional cases of measles were detected in the Maldives last week.
According to details released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Tuesday, two additional cases of measles were detected in the Greater Male' area last week. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 22, with the agency noting that the majority of those infected are Maldivian nationals. It was further highlighted that most of the cases involve individuals over the age of 18.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that it is currently administering vaccinations to contacts of infected individuals who have not completed the required two doses of the measles vaccine. To date, 220 contacts and 1,118 healthcare workers have been vaccinated. Additionally, a targeted vaccination campaign is underway for children under the age of 18 who have not yet completed their recommended dosage.
Regarding the symptoms of the disease, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) stated that measles rashes typically appear first on the face and neck before spreading 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.
Consequently, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if a fever is 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 to avoid public gatherings if they exhibit any symptoms of the disease.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has emphasized that while measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, those most at risk are individuals lacking immunity or those who have not completed the required two doses of the vaccine. The Maldives first introduced the measles vaccine into its national immunization program in 1983. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the Maldives measles-free in 2017, the country has recently seen a resurgence of cases.
