IGMH opens dedicated desk for fever‑and‑rash patients amid growing measles cluster

A special help desk has been established at IGMH to assist people experiencing fever and rashes, following a recent increase in measles cases.

Measles had previously been eradicated from Maldives. However, seven cases have been reported so far this year, and more than 74 contacts have been identified.

IGMH said in a statement that a dedicated help desk has been set up near the ambulance portico of the Adult Emergency Care Unit (Main ER) to expedite care for patients showing symptoms of fever accompanied by a red rash, amid the current rise in measles cases. The desk will operate from 08:00 am to 11:00 pm.

The hospital has advised the public, including children and pregnant women, to report any symptoms such as fever and red rash to the help desk.

After 11:00 pm, patients with fever and rash who require urgent care should present directly to the hospital: pregnant women and adults to the Main Emergency Room, and children to the Paediatric Emergency Room.

To help control the spread of the disease, IGMH has urged patients with cough and rash to wear masks when visiting the hospital. The hospital also advised that as few people as possible accompany the patient.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has similarly urged the public to seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms of measles.

If you have any symptoms of Measles, please seek immediate medical attention without delay.#measles pic.twitter.com/7dd7rc2euV

— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) May 23, 2026

HPA noted that symptoms include coughing, sneezing, red rashes and red eyes. Measles can spread from four days before the rash appears to four days after.

The agency said the virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making early recognition of symptoms critical to preventing further transmission.

The MR vaccine was introduced in Maldives in 1983. In 2017, the World Health Organization declared Maldives a measles‑free country. However, imported cases have since been detected in the country.