The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed a case of measles in the Greater Male' Region of the Maldives, a disease previously eradicated from the country.
According to the HPA's statement, the infected individual was diagnosed with measles on Tuesday. HPA said a case study found that despite receiving two doses of the measles vaccine, the patient contracted the disease while traveling abroad. Currently, the individual is under medical care at a hospital and is showing signs of recovery.
The HPA said it is taking swift action to prevent further spread of the disease. While the contact tracing process is underway, confirmed contacts have been notified, and those who have not been vaccinated against measles have been vaccinated to mitigate the risk of transmission, said HPA. Additionally, a ring vaccination strategy is being implemented in the area where the infected person resides, the authority confirmed.
Those who have received two doses of the measles vaccine have a 97 percent reduction in the risk of infection. However, as measles is one of the most contagious diseases, people exposed to it are at considerable risk of contracting it.
The main symptoms of measles are fever and skin rashes with red bumps. In addition, some people may experience symptoms such as coughing, runny nose and red eyes. HPA advises to immediately seek the advice of a health care professional if any such symptoms are noticed.
