Maldives measles cases rise to 186: 20 cases reported last week alone

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that the number of measles cases in the Maldives has risen to 186. According to the latest statistics released by the agency, 20 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, more than 9,900 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 advised 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 their vaccinations.

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 undergo testing for the suspected illness are advised to remain in isolation until their results are confirmed. Health experts advise that anyone experiencing high fever accompanied by red rashes should seek medical attention without delay. When seeking treatment, the HPA further appealed to the public to wear masks and avoid 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, sporadic cases of the disease have been detected across the country, prompting relevant authorities to implement rigorous public health measures at the time.