Former Maldives national football team player Mohamed Arif, affectionately known as Baka, tragically passed away due to complications from meningococcal infection.

Reports confirmed that his condition deteriorated rapidly after being admitted to the ICU, with test results confirming the presence of the bacterial infection today.

Officials from the Health Ministry have taken swift action, announcing measures such as contact tracing for individuals who had close contact with Baka.

This is the first such reported case in Maldives.

Meningococcal infection, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, spreads through respiratory and throat secretions during prolonged or close contact.

Symptoms typically include sudden fever, severe headache, and a stiff neck, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion.