The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed that the total number of measles cases recorded in the Maldives this year has reached 20, following a recent surge in infections.

An outbreak of the viral disease was first identified in May, and authorities have since observed a continuous rise in cases. According to the HPA, five new cases were detected in the Greater Malé area over the past week, bringing the annual tally to 20.

To combat the spread, the Ministry of Health has launched an immunization drive to ensure that individuals who have not completed the two-dose measles vaccine series receive their shots. This initiative is being supported by the Government of India, which recently donated a consignment of vaccines to the Maldives.

Health experts emphasized that measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by the measles virus. Data suggests that 90% of non-immune individuals sharing a space with an infected person are likely to contract the virus. The transmission window typically spans from four to five days before the onset of the rash until four to five days after it appears.