The measles outbreak in Maldives remains under control despite a recent increase in confirmed infections, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali told Parliament as authorities continue nationwide efforts to contain the disease.

Responding to questions from lawmakers, the minister said that although measles has been circulating in the country since May, most confirmed cases have been reported in the Greater Malé area.

She explained that while measles is highly contagious, the current outbreak has not reached a level that is considered unmanageable.

The minister attributed the country's ability to contain the outbreak largely to its high immunization coverage.

She said approximately 99 percent of the population has been vaccinated against measles, significantly reducing the risk of widespread transmission, limiting the severity of infections, and making cases easier to manage.

Minister Geela also informed Parliament that a more comprehensive update on the outbreak would be provided separately as health authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation.

Addressing concerns raised over an alleged shortage of measles testing kits, the minister said testing remains available at health facilities throughout the country, including hospitals and clinics in Malé.

While shipments from overseas may occasionally experience delays, she said Maldives has maintained sufficient testing supplies and has not run out of diagnostic kits.

According to the latest figures, 121 people have tested positive for measles since the first case was identified in May.

Of those, 55 infections were recorded during the past week, reflecting continued transmission despite ongoing containment measures.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is continuing contact tracing, testing, and targeted vaccination of individuals considered to be at higher risk of infection.

The agency said 5,495 people have received the measles vaccine as part of the ongoing response to the outbreak.

Health authorities are urging members of the public to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, a red rash, cough, a runny nose, or red eyes.

Individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed cases have also been advised to notify health officials, while those with weakened immune systems are encouraged to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

To strengthen the healthcare response, special arrangements have been introduced for patients seeking consultations at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Hulhumalé Hospital.

Authorities are also working to establish a dedicated isolation facility in Hulhumalé to support the management of suspected and confirmed measles cases.