Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed another individual was tested today on suspicion of contracting measles. The agency later reported the 17-year old male was tested negative for the viral disease.
The tests were performed on the individual two days after HPA confirmed a 3 year old child in Male’ had been tested positive for measles, marking the return of a disease that had been eradicated from Maldives in 2017.
HPA has advised the public to ensure all vaccination doses are completed, noting it is highly unlikely for an individual who has completed the two doses of MMR vaccine to catch the disease. The agency highlighted the disease is highly contagious, with the virus expected to be circulating in the air for two hours inside a place a measles victim has coughed or sneezed in.
Speaking to PSM News, pediatrician Dr. Nazla Musthafa said the best prevention method for the disease would be completing the vaccination dosage. The doctor noted the disease can be passed 4 days before skin rashes appear on the victim until 4 days after the rashes appear. She said anybody in contact with or was close to the victim during this period would have the risk of catching the disease.
HPA is currently preparing to begin an awareness campaign on measles and its vaccination.