The Maldives has recorded a total of 121 cases of measles since an initial infection was detected in May, according to Health Protection Agency (HPA).
The health authority confirmed a significant surge in transmission over the past week, with 55 new cases of the highly contagious disease reported. In response, health officials are actively conducting contact tracing, testing, and administering targeted vaccinations to individuals deemed at high risk. The HPA stated that 5,495 people have received the measles vaccine so far during this outbreak.
Symptoms of measles include a red skin rash, fever, cold-like symptoms, coughing, and red eyes. The HPA has urged anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. Public health officials emphasized that vaccination plays a critical role in mitigating the severity of the disease and urged the public to notify authorities if they have been in contact with an infected individual. Ensuring full vaccination is particularly crucial for individuals with compromised immune systems.
Despite the spike in numbers, the HPA noted that there are currently no severe cases requiring intensive care. Officials attributed this to the high baseline vaccination rate across the general Maldivian population, which has provided substantial herd immunity against severe illness.
As part of the containment strategy, dedicated consultation arrangements have been established at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Hulhumalé Hospital to manage potential cases separately. Work is also underway to set up a specialised isolation facility in Hulhumalé to prevent further spread of the virus.