HPA: Maldives Remains Measles-Free Despite Recent Cases

Even though measles cases have been appearing in the country, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stated that the Maldives remains a country that has eliminated the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the Maldives as a country that had eliminated measles on June 30, 2017. People in the Maldives began testing positive for the disease again during May of last year. Since then, a large number of people tested positive for measles in the first few weeks. In its response to an Article I request submitted by 'Sun' under the Right to Information Act on Wednesday, HPA stated that the Maldives has not yet lost its status as a country that has eliminated measles. HPA stated that this status will be lost if, under specific criteria monitored over a period of 12 months, the spread of measles has not been interrupted. While HPA stated this, three people tested positive for measles in the second week of last month, one week after no one had tested positive for measles. By that period, the total number of people who contracted measles this year reached 290. Furthermore, arrangements have been made to ensure that individuals whose completion of two doses of the measles vaccine, which is a disease easily transmitted from person to person, is uncertain, can complete their vaccination by visiting designated vaccination centers. Accordingly, since the start of this year, up to the end of the second week of last month, 17,256 measles vaccinations have been administered. On September 27 last year, Health Minister Geela Ali stated that the Maldives would remain a country where the disease is controlled, as previously determined by WHO. No active measles case currently exists, as further commented by Geela. Health experts advise seeking immediate treatment if red rashes appear on the body accompanied by fever. Additionally, paying attention to the symptoms of the disease is an important measure that can be taken to stop the further spread of the illness.