A dedicated help desk has been set up at IGMH to support individuals with fever and rashes due to a recent rise in measles cases.

Measles had been eliminated from the Maldives in the past. So far this year, there have been seven reported cases, and over 74 contacts have been traced.

IGMH announced that a specialized help desk has been established near the ambulance entrance of the Adult Emergency Care Unit (Main ER) to accelerate treatment for patients with fever and a red rash, in light of the recent increase in measles cases. The desk will function from 08:00 am to 11:00 pm.

The hospital has urged the public, particularly children and pregnant women, to notify the help desk about any symptoms like fever and red rash.

Patients with fever and rash needing urgent care should go directly to the hospital after 11:00 pm: pregnant women and adults to the Main Emergency Room, and children to the Paediatric Emergency Room.

To help manage the disease's transmission, IGMH has recommended that patients experiencing cough and rash wear masks while at the hospital. The hospital also recommended that minimal individuals accompany the patient.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has likewise advised the public to get medical help right away if they experience symptoms of measles.

HPA observed that symptoms consist of coughing, sneezing, red rashes, and red eyes. Measles can transmit from four days prior to the rash showing to four days afterward.

The agency stated that the virus transmits via respiratory droplets released when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, so recognizing symptoms early is crucial for stopping additional spread.