Seventeen new measles cases were reported in the Maldives last week, bringing the total number of cases recorded this year to 216, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
HPA said in a social media post that 17 people tested positive for measles last week, compared with 13 cases reported the previous week.
The Maldives was declared measles-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017. Since then, occasional cases have been reported among expatriates living in the country. However, the current outbreak has also spread among Maldivians.
The outbreak has continued for more than two months. A vaccination campaign launched last month has so far vaccinated 14,701 people, according to the HPA.
The agency advised people to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of measles:
- Seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever and a rash. Wear a mask when visiting a healthcare facility and avoid using public transport.
- If you are suspected of having measles, remain in isolation until test results are available.
- Avoid crowded places if you have symptoms.
