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A hand with measles - Photo: AFMC

A total of 186 measles cases have been confirmed in the Maldives so far this year, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed, prompting health authorities to roll out a targeted vaccination drive to curb the spread.

According to the HPA, 20 new measles cases were recorded in the Greater Male' area over the past week alone, bringing the total number of confirmed infections nationwide to 186.

In response to the rising cases, the HPA has initiated a catch-up vaccination campaign. Health authorities are urging individuals who have not completed or are unsure about receiving their two required doses of the measles vaccine to visit designated vaccination centers immediately.

Individuals who have been identified as close contacts of confirmed cases are advised to receive their vaccine at scheduled times from the Hulhumale' Hospital or the Urban Primary Health Care Center. Vaccines are currently being administered at fixed hours across hospitals in the Greater Male' region and at health centers on the islands.

The HPA has issued strict advisory measures, urging anyone showing symptoms of measles to avoid public gatherings and stay isolated at home while awaiting test results. Authorities further instructed individuals experiencing high fever and skin rashes to seek prompt medical attention, wear face masks when visiting healthcare facilities, and avoid using public transportation.

The Maldives was officially declared free of measles by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017. However, sporadic cases were recorded in 2020 and April 2023, both of which were successfully brought under control by public health authorities.

Doctors emphasize that vaccination remains the single most effective defense against measles. Because diseases eliminated within the Maldives can still be reintroduced from neighboring countries where outbreaks occur, health experts urge the public not to neglect routine immunization schedules.

Key Outbreak Stats & Health Directives

• Total Measles Cases This Year: 186 cases nationwide.

• Recent Cases (Greater Male' Region): 20 cases recorded in the past week.

• WHO Elimination Status: Officially declared eliminated in the Maldives in 2017 (prior sporadic cases in 2020 and April 2023).

• Vaccination Schedule:

  • First Dose: Administered at 1 year of age.

  • Second Dose: Administered at approximately 3 years of age.

  • Current Focus: Unvaccinated individuals or those with incomplete 2-dose status.

• Designated Vaccination Centers for Close Contacts:

  • Hulhumale' Hospital

  • Urban Primary Health Care Center

  • Regional hospitals and island health centers (during designated hours).

• HPA Directives for Symptomatic Individuals:

  • Isolate immediately while awaiting test results.

  • Avoid public gatherings and crowded places.

  • Wear a face mask when seeking medical care.

  • Do not use public transportation when traveling to health facilities if experiencing fever and rashes.