Maldives Measles Outbreak Under Control With 99 Percent Vaccination Rate

The measles situation in the Maldives remains manageable, with high national vaccination rates preventing a widespread crisis, Health Minister Geela Ali informed the Majlis (Parliament). Addressing lawmakers, Minister Geela stated that while the disease is highly contagious, the current outbreak has not reached uncontrollable levels. Since the first case was detected in May, 121 people have tested positive for measles, with 55 of those cases reported in the past week. The majority of infections have been concentrated within the Greater Malé area. Confidence in the containment strategy is bolstered by the country's immunization success. The Minister noted that approximately 99 percent of the population has been vaccinated against measles, a factor that has significantly minimized the severity of infections and made medical treatment more effective. Responding to concerns from opposition members regarding a potential shortage of diagnostic tools, Minister Geela clarified that testing kits remain available at health facilities nationwide. While she acknowledged that overseas shipments occasionally face delays, she emphasized that the country has not run out of essential supplies. In response to the outbreak, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is actively conducting contact tracing and testing. To date, the HPA has administered vaccines to 5,495 individuals identified as high-risk. To manage the patient load, special consultation arrangements have been implemented at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Hulhumalé Hospital, with plans underway to establish a dedicated isolation facility in Hulhumalé. Health authorities continue to urge the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a characteristic red rash. Individuals who have been in contact with an infected person are advised to notify health authorities immediately, and those with compromised immune systems are urged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.