Measles Cases in Maldives Reach 291 as Weekly Infections Slow to One

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed today that only one person contracted measles last week, bringing the total number of measles cases recorded in the Maldives this year to 291. According to statistics released by HPA, 17,524 people have been administered the vaccine against measles so far this year. Recently, the number of people contracting measles each week has been decreasing. While one person contracted the disease in the first week of last month, no cases were reported the following week. However, HPA said three people were noted to have contracted the disease in the third week of last month. Measles had been eliminated in the Maldives but began spreading again in the middle of last May, when a large number of people tested positive every week. HPA has said that despite measles cases continuing to be seen in the Maldives, the country remains one where the disease has been eliminated. HPA has previously advised people whose two doses of the measles vaccine are not confirmed to be complete to visit designated vaccination centres and complete their vaccination. Health experts advise seeking treatment promptly if a fever occurs along with the appearance of red spots on the body, and say paying attention to the symptoms is an important step in preventing further spread of the disease.