Maldives has recorded the first case of Meningococcal Disease.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed the first case of Meningococcal Disease on Tuesday.

HPA said symptoms of the life-threatening disease are similar to Influenza, with some early symptoms being presented as fever, headaches, tightening of neck muscles, confusion, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, light sensitivity, and rashes.

HPA said that efforts are underway to do contact tracing and providing prophylactic medication to those identified as close contacts of the first confirmed Meningococcal case.

The Agency said that symptoms present within the first 10 days of contracting the disease. HPA urged Hajj pilgrims who were unable to get vaccinated for Meningitis or traveled for Hajj before completing 14 days after vaccination to seek medical assistance if any symptoms persist.

HPA stressed the importance of getting vaccinated against Meningitis, adding that it would take two weeks for the vaccine to develop immunity against the disease.