Health Minister declares spread of measles, urges to vaccinate

Health Ministry has officially announced that measles is spreading in the country after two suspected cases were reported within the same week in the country.

Health Minister Mohamed Ameen stated in a news conference today that steps were being taken to counter the disease thought to have been eradicated from the Maldives. Health teams have begun to vaccinate people from areas where the disease was first reported.

“HPA teams will be carrying out vaccination in the areas where the disease was at first noticed in Hulhumale’.” Health Minister said.

The best way to stay safe from the disease was to vaccinate and the Minister urged those refusing to vaccinate to do so. He also noted that children should not be sent to schools without being vaccinated. Work was also underway to vaccinate children in schools that have not been vaccinated.

“We cannot let the country descend into danger due to not being vaccinated. Vaccination is being carried out for those who have not done so.” said the Minister.

The first victim of the disease is a three-year-old child living in the Male’ city region, who was at first reported for suspected measles on January 8, 2020. HPA stated that the child had not been administered the required vaccine doses at nine months and 18 months.

Two more have been reported for measles and are being treated at IGMH. One of them is a 30-year old man.

The first victim was treated at IGMH and was later released in good health after ensuring that there was no risk of the disease spreading.

“The government is prepared for a more serious outbreak of the disease if it occurs. An isolation facility has been established in Hulhumale’ and will be used if the need arises,” said Minister Ameen.

What to do in case of suspected measles?

HPA requested those who have not administered the vaccine shots and visited these areas on these dates and times to consult with a doctor if symptoms start appearing.

HPA also requested for suspected cases to

• Consult with IGMH’s triage
• Call 1417 for Hulhumale’ Hospital
• Visit the nearest health center or hospital of an island for medical care

Vaccine programs have been planned for the next three months, according to the Minister, who noted that it was mandatory for those to complete the second dose of measles vaccine if they had not administered it.

Work was also underway to vaccinate those working in health facilities and the Ministry was working with health facilities in the capital to counter the disease. More vaccine doses are also being imported with the assistance of WHO and will take around 10 days according to the Minister.

“We have enough vaccines for those who need it right now.” said the Minister.