Case of Invasive Meningococcal Disease Confirmed in the Maldives

Health authorities have confirmed a case of invasive meningococcal disease in the Maldives, a rare but serious bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA), in coordination with the Ministry of Health, has initiated precautionary measures in response. These include gathering detailed information, tracing close contacts of the patient, administering preventive medication to those at higher risk, and introducing additional safety protocols where necessary.

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🔸އިންވޭސިވް މެނިންގޯކޮކަލް ބަލީގެ ކޭސްއެއް ފެނުމާ ގުޅިގެން ކަމާ ބެހޭ މައުލޫމާތު އެއްކޮށް، ކޮންޓެކްޓް ޓްރޭސިންގް ހަދާ، ހައި ރިސްކް ކޮންޓެކްޓުންނަށް ބަލިން ރައްކާތެރިވުމަށްދޭ ޕްރޮފައިލެކްޓިކް ބޭސް ދިނުމާއި، ރައްކާތެރިކަމުގެ ގޮތުން އަޅަންޖެހޭ އިތުރު ފިޔަވަޅުތައް އެޅުމަށް…— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) June 7, 2025

What is invasive meningococcal disease?

Invasive meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Although it is not commonly seen in the Maldives, previous instances have typically involved patients who contracted the disease while abroad.

The infection can progress rapidly and may lead to life-threatening complications such as meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, or sepsis, which spreads infection throughout the body.

How it spreads

The bacteria responsible for meningococcal disease are transmitted through respiratory secretions such as saliva, typically via coughing, sneezing, or close personal contact. Those most at risk include individuals who have had prolonged or close exposure to an infected person, such as sharing confined spaces during travel or coming into contact with their nasal secretions.

The HPA notes that casual contact, including sharing a room or having brief interactions, is not considered high risk for transmission.

Symptoms to look out for

Symptoms of meningococcal disease can resemble those of a flu-like illness in the early stages but may worsen quickly. Common signs include:

• Fever
  
• Headache
  
• Stiff neck
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Confusion
  
• Red spots or rashes on the body
  

These symptoms typically appear within one to ten days after exposure.

Response and advice from authorities

In light of the confirmed case, the HPA urges the public to remain alert, especially those who may have been in close contact with the patient. Prophylactic treatment is being provided to individuals identified as high risk, and further public health measures will be taken as required.

Authorities advise the public to follow official health guidance and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise.