Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali has stated that the measles outbreak currently spreading in the Maldives is not out of control.

The Minister made these remarks while responding to a question raised by MDP MP for the Hulhumalé South constituency, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, at today's sitting of the People's Majlis, who questioned whether the government and the Minister had failed to control the spread of measles.

"Measles is being detected to some extent in the Maldives. So far this year, around 100 cases have been identified within our population, specifically in the Malé area and not from the outer atolls," the Minister said.

The Minister explained that since measles is a highly contagious disease that transmits from person to person within a very short period, the duration required for the illness to pass is very short.

"Therefore, this is not a disease that is spreading extraordinarily today, nor is it a disease that we are struggling to control," she added.

However, the Minister noted that efforts will always be made to implement safety measures and control any disease.

While the Minister made these statements, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported that measles cases have increased, with the total number of infected individuals rising to 121.

The HPA stated that 55 cases of measles were detected in the Malé area last week alone, bringing the total number of reported measles cases so far this year to 121.