Measles spreading rapidly in GMR: 44 cases reported last week alone
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported that the total number of measles cases in the Greater Male' Area has reached 66, with the majority of infections identified among Maldivian adults over the age of 18. To curb the spread of the disease, a targeted vaccination campaign has been launched for healthcare workers and children under 18, while the agency is also preparing a subsequent phase to vaccinate individuals under 49 who have not completed their immunization doses.
Despite the Maldives being certified as a measles-free country, 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 revealed that 44 people tested positive for measles in the past week alone, amid a rapid surge of the disease within the Greater Male' area.
According to details released by the HPA on Tuesday, the total number of confirmed cases has risen to 66, following the detection of 44 new cases in the Greater Male' area. The agency noted that the majority of those infected are Maldivians, with the highest concentration of cases found among individuals over the age of 18.
HPA is collaborating with relevant authorities to implement special measures aimed at controlling the spread of the disease. As part of these efforts, a vaccination program has been launched targeting children under the age of 18 and healthcare workers to ensure protection against the illness.
The vaccination program is scheduled to be carried out in multiple phases. During the initial phase, vaccines will be administered to healthcare professionals and children under the age of 18. In the Greater Male' area, vaccinations will be available at the following centers:
- Maafannu Urban Health Care Clinic
- Hulhumalé Hospital
- Senahiya Hospital
- Villimale Hospital
Vaccination arrangements in the administrative atolls will be managed by the respective local health centers or hospitals. Additionally, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is preparing to launch a third phase of the vaccination drive targeting individuals under the age of 49 who have not yet completed their doses. Efforts are also underway to administer vaccines to those who have come into contact with positive cases and have not yet completed the two-dose vaccination series.
The Maldives was officially certified as a measles-free country by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017. However, following the emergence of several cases in 2023, the disease resurfaced early last month, and the number of infections continues to rise.
