The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that additional precautionary measures are being implemented following the detection of a case of invasive meningococcal disease.
The HPA said that following the detection of the case, relevant information is being collected while contact tracing is also being conducted. Prophylactic drugs are being administered to high-risk contacts, and other measures are being taken to prevent the spread of the disease.
Invasive meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection. The few cases reported in the Maldives are typically contracted abroad. Symptoms include fever, red skin rashes, and headaches. HPA noted that the disease can cause serious complications such as meningitis, the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and sepsis, a life-threatening infection of the bloodstream.
Meningococcal disease is spread through the respiratory tract. People who spend prolonged time in close contact with an infected person are more likely to be infected. Symptoms appear between one and ten days after exposure.
Preventive measures include frequent handwashing with soap and water, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. If a fever and cough is experienced, it is nest to avoid crowded places and contact with vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those suffering from illnesses.
HPA advises anyone with cold-like symptoms to avoid close contact with children and refrain from carrying them.