Measles cases in the Maldives exceed 160: 22 cases reported last week alone
As the Health Protection Agency (HPA) intensifies its vaccination campaign to curb the spread of measles in the Maldives, over 9,000 individuals have been vaccinated to date. The agency urges anyone exhibiting symptoms to avoid public transportation and remain in isolation until test results are confirmed. Furthermore, health experts strongly advise those who have not completed the two-dose vaccine series to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Measles Vaccine. | Reuters
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that the number of measles cases in the Maldives has risen to 166. According to the latest statistics released by the agency, 22 new cases were recorded in the past week alone.
Following the re-emergence of measles in the Maldives, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has launched a specialized vaccination campaign to curb the spread of the disease. According to the agency, a total of 9,918 individuals have been vaccinated against measles so far under this initiative.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged all individuals who are uncertain of their vaccination status or have not completed both doses of the measles vaccine to visit designated vaccination centers and get vaccinated as soon as possible. Furthermore, the agency has requested those who are aware of having had direct contact with an infected person to visit Hulhumalé Hospital or the Urban Primary Health Care Center during scheduled hours to receive the vaccine.
To curb the spread of the disease, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to refrain from visiting crowded places if they exhibit any symptoms. Furthermore, individuals who have undergone testing for a suspected infection are advised to remain in isolation until their results are confirmed. Health experts advise that anyone experiencing a high fever accompanied by red rashes should seek medical attention without delay. The HPA also recommends wearing a mask when visiting healthcare facilities and advises against using public transportation, such as taxis or buses, to minimize the risk of transmission.
The Maldives was officially certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a measles-free country in 2017. However, since that declaration, several cases of the disease have been detected in the country at various times, prompting relevant authorities to implement stringent measures to control its spread.
