The Maldives has been listed among the South Asian countries experiencing the highest spread of measles this year, following a resurgence of the disease after nearly a decade without local transmission.
The country had previously eliminated endemic measles, but the virus re-emerged earlier this year after an imported case was detected. Since then, the number of confirmed infections has climbed to 72, marking the largest measles outbreak recorded in the Maldives since the disease was declared eliminated nine years ago.
Regional data show that Bangladesh and India have reported the highest number of measles cases in South Asia this year, with the Maldives ranking among the countries most affected relative to its size. The initial case in the Maldives was linked to a traveller arriving from overseas, after which local transmission began.
Health experts say imported infections remain one of the biggest threats to countries that have already eliminated measles. Pediatrician Dr. Ahmed Faisal of IGMH has urged authorities to ensure foreign workers are fully vaccinated before being issued work visas. He also called on the public to remain alert for symptoms among travellers arriving in the country.
Medical professionals say the recent resurgence has largely been driven by immunity gaps, particularly among people who have not completed the recommended two-dose measles vaccine schedule. Many of the confirmed cases have been reported among young people aged 14 to 20, while all but four of the cases involve adolescents or young adults. Doctors are therefore encouraging everyone between 15 and 35 years of age to verify their vaccination status and receive any missing doses.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious viral diseases. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can also spread after touching contaminated surfaces before touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms usually include:
- High fever
- Runny nose
- Persistent cough
- Red eyes
- A widespread red rash
Health authorities have begun an expanded vaccination campaign to contain the outbreak. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is advising anyone who develops symptoms to seek medical attention immediately, wear a mask when visiting healthcare facilities, avoid using public transport where possible, and remain isolated until test results are available. People with symptoms are also urged to stay away from crowded places to reduce the risk of further transmission.
The Maldives’ outbreak comes as South Asia is experiencing a broader resurgence of measles. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Thailand and the Maldives have all reported outbreaks or significant increases in measles cases during 2026. WHO says immunity gaps left by missed vaccinations continue to fuel transmission across the region and has called on countries to achieve at least 95% coverage with two doses of the measles vaccine in every district.
Bangladesh has been among the region’s worst-hit countries this year, prompting nationwide emergency vaccination campaigns after tens of thousands of suspected cases and thousands of confirmed infections were reported. Public health experts say the outbreak has been driven by declining routine immunisation coverage and disruptions to vaccination programmes in recent years.
The resurgence is part of a wider global trend. WHO estimates that measles vaccination prevented nearly 59 million deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2024, but warns that falling vaccination coverage in some communities has allowed the virus to return in many countries.
Outside South Asia, Europe and Central Asia reported a sharp decline in measles cases during 2025 compared with the previous year. However, WHO and UNICEF caution that outbreaks remain a serious threat because vaccination coverage has yet to recover fully in several countries, leaving millions vulnerable to infection.
