Maldivian health authorities have confirmed 13 new cases of measles over the past week, bringing the total number of infections to 199 since an outbreak was first identified in May of this year.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported that the surge in cases has prompted an intensified public health response. The Ministry of Health is currently conducting a targeted vaccination drive to ensure all individuals receive the necessary two doses of the measles vaccine to curb further transmission.

This vaccination initiative recently received a significant boost following a donation of vaccine doses from the Government of India. According to official data from the HPA, 12,971 individuals have been vaccinated under the current program so far.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through respiratory droplets. Health experts warn that the virus has a 90% infection rate among unvaccinated individuals in close contact with a patient. An infected person can spread the virus from four to five days before the appearance of a rash until four to five days after it develops.