Measles outbreak: one out of ten tested positive on Tuesday

One out of the ten tested for measles following symptoms, has turned positive to the infectious disease, revealed the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

While Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen revealed that ten were being tested for measles following symptoms during a press conference on Tuesday morning, no other cases have been reported thus far. HPA later revealed that one out of the ten had tested positive to the disease.

The ten individuals were tested following prolonged fever, revealed Minister Ameen.

He further added that important discussions have been held with health centers and hospitals across the entire Maldives in order to prevent the virus from spreading.

Highlighting that no cases have been reported from outlying islands thus far, the ministry added that officials are alert for symptoms.

In addition, Ameen revealed that they are working with health centers and hospital to ensure no resident is left behind in the vaccination campaign, and everyone has had their required dosages for measles prevention.

Ameen stated that the ministry will receive information on those who are yet to be vaccinated, by Wednesday and that they will carry out the required prevention action once the results are in.

It has been revealed that although the World Health Organization (WHO) publicly declared the elimination of measles from Maldives during June 2017, the disease is prone to re-surface as it has a high tourist arrivals rate, some of whom may already have the disease.

While HPA is working on preparations for a measles vaccination campaign to enable every who has not gotten two doses to complete their vaccinations, this is an important step to ensure the disease is eradicated from the country and does not re-emerge.

The agency has also highlighted that vaccination within three days of exposure to measles can provide protection and that if it is given after three days, symptoms are possible to catch on even with the doses.