Health Minister Geela Ali says measles cases have declined significantly, with no active cases currently reported in the Maldives.
A patient is seen with red rashes caused by the viral disease measles -- Shutterstock Photo
Male’: Health Minister Geela Ali has said the Maldives currently has no active measles cases and remains classified as a country where the disease is under control.
Speaking on a Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu programme, Geela said the number of measles cases had dropped significantly after an outbreak began in May.
Health Protection Agency data shows only five cases were recorded during the second week of September.
Geela said more than 16,000 people have received measles vaccinations so far, contributing to the decline in new cases.
She said the cases detected in the Maldives were linked to people arriving from abroad, including returning travellers and foreign nationals.
The minister expressed hope that the current situation would continue without further cases, allowing the country to maintain its measles-control status.
Health authorities have advised people who are unsure whether they have completed both measles vaccine doses to visit designated vaccination centres and complete their vaccination.