The Health Protection Agency (HPA)'s statistics indicate that the number of measles cases in the Male' area is decreasing significantly.

Measles started spreading in the Male' area around May this year, with the number of reported cases each week remaining consistently high over the past months. 

However, data publicized by the HPA yesterday shows that only five cases of measles were reported last week. 

This brings the total number of measles cases this year to 269. 

WHO declared that measles had been eradicated in the Maldives in 2017. However, isolated cases were detected amongst the expatriate population even after this. The situation worsened considerably this year as the disease spread to locals. 

HPA initiated a vaccination program to curb the spread of the disease, with 16,368 persons vaccinated through the drive. 

HPA urges persons noticing symptoms such as fever and a red rash to seek medical attention without delay. When going to hospital under such circumstances, HPA advises wearing masks and avoiding public transport. 

If measles is suspected, patients are advised to self-isolate until test results are received. Persons with symptoms are urged to avoid crowds and public spaces.