An additional 23 people tested positive for measles over the past week, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Maldives to 144, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced.

The disease, which had been eliminated from the Maldives nine years ago, re-emerged in May this year. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has continued to increase.

Authorities have been implementing a range of measures to contain the outbreak. To support the Government's response, India donated 20,000 doses of the measles vaccine and three tonnes of medical supplies to the Maldives. A nationwide vaccination programme is also underway, with 7,100 people vaccinated so far.

Responding to concerns raised during a recent sitting of Parliament over the spread of measles, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, Geela Ali said the outbreak is not spreading at an unusual rate and remains under control. She said measles is an illness that typically spreads within a short period, and the duration of illness can be reduced through appropriate treatment. The minister added that, like any other disease, preventive measures are being taken and efforts to control the outbreak will continue.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus, a member of the Morbillivirus genus within the Paramyxoviridae family. Although it most commonly affects young children, people of all ages can contract the disease.

Health experts said a person infected with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after it develops. They also noted that about 90 out of every 100 people who come into close contact with an infected person are likely to become infected if they are not immune. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Health authorities continue to urge the public to complete their measles vaccination, stressing that vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against the disease.