Measles cases rise to 186 after 20 new infections reported
The HPA launched a vaccination campaign late last month. According to the agency, more than 12,000 people have been vaccinated so far.
Twenty new cases of measles were reported in the past week, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the Maldives to 186.
The disease, which had been eliminated in the Maldives nine years ago, re-emerged in May. One death linked to the outbreak has been recorded.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA), which publishes weekly updates on the outbreak, said the number of new cases has remained at 20 or more each week over the past two weeks.
In response to the outbreak, the HPA launched a vaccination campaign late last month. According to the agency, more than 12,000 people have been vaccinated so far.
The HPA said measles is characterised by a rash of small red spots and can lead to serious health complications.
According to the agency, complications may include encephalitis, pneumonia, severe diarrhoea and dehydration, vision loss and hearing loss caused by ear infections.
The HPA also warned that measles weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of secondary infections.
The agency said vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease and urged the public to complete the recommended two-dose measles vaccination schedule.
