23 New Measles Cases Reported in Malé Area as National Total Reaches 144

The total number of measles cases recorded across the Maldives has risen to 144 after 23 new cases were reported in the Malé area last week, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said.

The agency said more than 7,100 people have now been vaccinated as part of ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak. 

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HPA began administering the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine to children under the age of 18 and frontline healthcare workers on 27 June as part of efforts to contain the re-emergence of measles in the Maldives.

The authority said the vaccination campaign will be conducted in phases, with the first phase prioritising healthcare workers and children under the age of 18.

For individuals living in the atolls, vaccination dates and times will be announced by the respective health centres on each island.

HPA urged individuals who have not completed the recommended measles vaccination schedule to visit the nearest health facility and receive the required doses.

The agency also advised people experiencing symptoms such as fever or a red rash to seek medical attention immediately, wear a face mask, and remain in quarantine until test results are received.

Individuals showing symptoms have been further urged to avoid visiting public places in order to reduce the risk of further transmission.

The latest update comes as health authorities continue vaccination and containment efforts following the detection of measles cases in the country.

Last week, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) donated 28,000 doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine along with medical equipment to support the Maldives’ response to the outbreak.

The UNICEF donation followed additional support from India, which provided 20,000 doses of measles vaccine and three tonnes of medical equipment to assist the Maldives’ healthcare response.