The measles situation in the Maldives remains under control, with measures continuing to prevent further transmission, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali has said.
Responding to a question in Parliament, the Minister said that although measles cases have been reported in the Maldives since May, the majority have been detected in the Greater Male' area.
She said that while measles is highly contagious, the current situation has not reached an uncontrollable level.
"Since measles is a disease that spreads very quickly from one person to another, the recovery period is also relatively short. Therefore, this is not an unusual disease for us, nor is it spreading out of control. However, we will continue taking all necessary measures to control the disease," Geela said.
The Minister said she would provide Parliament with a more detailed update on the measles situation separately.
Geela said the high vaccination rate in the Maldives has significantly reduced the risk of widespread transmission. She noted that around 99 per cent of the population has been vaccinated against measles, helping to minimise the severity of infections and making treatment more manageable.
Addressing concerns raised by opposition Parliamentarians over an alleged shortage of measles testing kits, the Minister said testing is available at health facilities across the country, including those in Malé.
She said testing kits remain available at all centres, adding that while shipments from overseas may occasionally be delayed, the country has not run out of testing supplies.
Since the first measles case was detected in May, 121 people have tested positive for the disease. Of those, 55 cases were reported during the past week.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is continuing contact tracing and testing while also administering vaccines to people considered at risk. 5,495 people have been vaccinated against measles so far, according to the HPA.
The Ministry has urged the public to seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms such as fever, a red rash, cough, a runny nose or red eyes.
It also advised anyone who has been in contact with an infected person to inform the relevant health authorities, while urging people with weakened immune systems to ensure they are fully vaccinated.
As part of the response to the outbreak, special arrangements have been made for patients seeking medical consultations at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Hulhumale' Hospital. Work is also under way to establish an isolation facility in Hulhumalé.