HPA Urges Vigilance Ahead of Eid Travel Season; IGMH Opens Fever–Rash Help Desk

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged vigilance ahead of the Eid al-Adha travel season, while Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has established a Fever–Rash Help Desk to provide guidance on patient movement and support amid the ongoing measles outbreak.

In a press release today, HPA said there is currently a rise in communicable diseases in the Maldives, including common cold, influenza, and confirmed measles cases in the Greater Malé Area. Last week, HPA confirmed seven measles cases in the Maldives, with more than 74 contacts identified.

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The agency noted that the Eid period typically involves increased intra-atoll and international travel, alongside large gatherings and community visits, which can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. 

HPA has urged the public to follow the following precautionary measures during the holiday period:

• Avoid public gatherings if experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms, including difficulty in breathing
• Seek medical care promptly if symptoms worsen after falling ill
• Wear a face covering when visiting healthcare facilities and avoid using public transport if unwell
• Remain in quarantine until test results are confirmed if tested for measles
• Cover the mouth and nose when travelling in enclosed or crowded spaces such as ferry lounges, airports and aircraft
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitiser
• Ensure full vaccination for vaccine-preventable diseases
• Take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases by:
  • Using mosquito repellent containing DEET, IR3535 or Icaridin
  • Wearing clothing that minimises skin exposure
  • Using mosquito nets
  • Eliminating stagnant water and other mosquito breeding sites

IGMH Opens Fever–Rash Help Desk

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has established a dedicated Fever–Rash Help Desk in response to the measles situation.

ހިމަބިހި ކޭސްތައް ފެންނަމުން ދާތީ ހުމާއި ރަތްބިހީގެ ޢަލާމާތްތައް ހުރި ފަރާތްތަކަށް އެހީވުމަށް ހޮސްޕިލުގައި ޚާއްސަ މޭޒެއް ގާއިމު ކުރުން

Establishment of Fever–Rash Help Desk and Guidance on Patient Movement Related to Measles Outbreak pic.twitter.com/fhApngzzQC— IGMH (@igmhmv) May 23, 2026

The facility is located at the ambulance portico near the main emergency entrance and operates daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.

All patients, including children and pregnant women, presenting with fever and a red rash are advised to report directly to the help desk, where staff will provide guidance on next steps for care.

Emergency Arrangements After Hours

Outside operating hours, adults and pregnant women with fever and rash symptoms are advised to inform triage staff at the main emergency room, while children should be directed to the paediatric emergency room upon arrival.

All patients with fever and rash symptoms are advised to wear masks when seeking hospital care to reduce the risk of transmission.

Public offices across the Maldives are closed for the extended Eid holidays from Friday, 22 May, until 30 May. Schools and government offices are scheduled to reopen on Sunday, 31 May.