2 new measles cases reported during Eid, total reaches 11

Two additional cases of measles have been detected during the Eid holidays, bringing the total number of cases reported in the Maldives this year to 11, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Measles, which had previously been eliminated in the Maldives, re-emerged in the Greater Malé area last month. Before the Eid holidays, the HPA had confirmed nine cases of the disease.

The agency announced on Tuesday that two further cases were identified over the past week, increasing the total number of reported infections to 11.

Ahead of the Eid holidays, the HPA advised the public to minimise large gatherings due to the risk of transmission. Measles spreads through respiratory droplets and can be transmitted easily between individuals.

In response to the increase in cases, a dedicated help desk has been established at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) to assist individuals suspected of having measles and to facilitate access to medical consultations.

The HPA has also urged the public to seek medical attention if symptoms such as fever and red skin rashes develop.

The agency advised members of the public to take the following precautions:

The HPA noted that measles continues to be reported in neighbouring countries and other parts of the world, increasing the risk of imported cases and local transmission.

Health authorities are continuing surveillance and contact-tracing efforts as part of measures to contain the spread of the disease.