Measles cluster in Maldives climbs to 9 cases

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed that the active measles cluster in the Maldives has risen to 9 cases.

The uptick has prompted intensified contact-tracing and containment efforts ahead of the upcoming Eid holidays.

The Maldives was declared measles-free by the WHO in 2017, but a recent spike—including at least two imported cases—has re-introduced the highly contagious airborne virus to the islands.

HPA's Key Message to the Public

With holiday travel and large public gatherings approaching, the HPA has issued an urgent advisory:

HPA Alert: "Anyone experiencing symptoms, especially a fever, must stay home and entirely avoid public transit, Eid festivities, and social gatherings to prevent spreading the illness."

The agency also directed the public to adhere to the following safety protocols:

• Mask Up: Masks are mandatory for anyone visiting a hospital or clinic.

• Limit Companions: Patients seeking care should minimize the number of people accompanying them to medical centers.

• Isolate & Treat: Seek immediate medical evaluation if you or your children develop a fever and a red rash.

Where to Seek Care

Hospitals have adjusted triage protocols to prevent hospital-wide transmission:

• IGMH Triage Desk: A dedicated measles help desk is operating outside the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital Adult ER (near the ambulance portico) daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM for patients with fevers and rashes.

• After-Hours Care: After 11:00 PM, adults and pregnant women should go directly to the Main ER, and children to the Paediatric ER.

• Call Ahead: If visiting private facilities like ADK Hospital, call ahead so staff can guide you through an isolated entry point.

Know the Symptoms

Measles can spread four days before the rash even appears until four days after. Watch for this sequence:

1. Early Stage: High fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

2. Rash Stage: Red spots starting on the face and neck, then spreading down across the body.

Health authorities urge the public to visit Dhamanaveshi, Hulhumalé Hospital, or their local atoll health centers to ensure their MMR vaccination records are up to date.