Wednesday
18th Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed cases of Pertussis (whooping cough) in Maldives.
The HPA said this month that 3 children have tested positive for pertussis in G.A. Vilingili.
The agency said the disease has been controlled for the most part in Maldives due to regular vaccination, however rare cases still occur.
The HPA said it has been working on the discovery of positive cases.
The work carried out so far:
- Collaboration with IGMH and G.A. Atoll Hospital to carry out contact tracing of positive case
- Antibiotic prophylaxis for children under one year of age
- 6 pregnant women among contacts of the infected persons
- Testing for people who have been in contact with those who tested positive
- Those with symptoms have been provided treatment
The HPA has said the government has formed a special task force to control the disease.
The agency said pertussis is spread through the respiratory tract, and the symptoms of pertussis are similar to those of common illnesses, such as a cold or flu.
In addition, after a week, the cough can last for a long time and infants and other symptoms can be seen.
The HPA added that a child or adult who has completed the vaccination may not show any symptoms if they contract the disease.
The agency said infants are at risk for the disease and therefore urges children under the age of 7 who have not completed their doses of the vaccine to complete it as soon as possible. The vaccine will be available at the regional hospital.
Meanwhile, HPA urged individuals with a febrile cough to seek the advice of a health care provider immediately if their cough persists or causes additional coughing complications, if they have another chronic medical condition, or if they are an infant or pregnant woman.
The agency said pertussis is spread through the respiratory tract, and the symptoms of pertussis are similar to those of common illnesses, such as a cold or flu.
In addition, after a week, the cough can last for a long time and infants and other symptoms can be seen.
The HPA added that a child or adult who has completed the vaccination may not show any symptoms if they contract the disease.
The agency said infants are at risk for the disease and therefore urges children under the age of 7 who have not completed their doses of the vaccine to complete it as soon as possible. The vaccine will be available at the regional hospital.
Meanwhile, HPA urged individuals with a febrile cough to seek the advice of a health care provider immediately if their cough persists or causes additional coughing complications, if they have another chronic medical condition, or if they are an infant or pregnant woman.