More people have tested positive for measles in Maldives, bringing the total number of cases this year to seven.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) said in a statement last week that contact tracing was underway after two initial cases were confirmed.

It has since been learned that two additional people have tested positive for the virus. However, HPA was not available for comment on the latest developments.

Measles symptoms typically include fever, a red skin rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Although the illness can resemble common viral infections in its early stages, health officials warn that it can develop into serious complications, including pneumonia and vision impairments.

In Maldives, measles vaccination is administered in two doses, with the first given at nine months of age and the second at 18 months.

Measles cases have been increasing in several regions globally, including neighboring countries.

Bangladesh has reported 7,929 cases since March, with more than 400 deaths, while India, where Maldivians frequently travel to, has also seen a rise in infections.

Although Maldives declared measles eradicated in 2018, isolated cases have reappeared in recent years, including in 2020 and 2023.