Invasive meningococcal case reported; contact tracing underway

Health authorities have confirmed a case of invasive meningococcal disease in the Maldives.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) stated Saturday that contact tracing efforts are in progress following the death of a 24-year-old man from the disease.

The HPA announced the confirmation through a post on X, noting that immediate public health measures are being taken. These include gathering information, tracing contacts, administering prophylactic treatment to high-risk individuals, and implementing other preventive steps.

Invasive meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterial infection. It can lead to serious health complications, including inflammation of the brain (meningitis) and widespread infection of the body (sepsis).

Symptoms typically appear within one to ten days after exposure and may include:

The bacteria are transmitted through respiratory droplets, and prolonged close contact with an infected person increases the risk of transmission.

There have been previous cases linked to travel. Notably, footballer Mohamed Arif died from the disease on 25 June last year after returning from Hajj. That case marked the third known instance of invasive meningococcal disease in the Maldives.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise the public to follow recommended precautions.