Following a meningococcal death, HPA steps up response

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said that they have initiated protective measures after a case of meningococcal was identified in the Maldives.

Meningococcal disease is a contagious serious infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis which often leads meningitis and bloodstream infections.

The patient diagnosed with meningococcal disease in Maldives passed away, with Mihaaru News reporting that it was a 24 year old Maldivian who had returned to Maldives after travelling to Malaysia.

HPA said that following the case, they have conducted contact tracing, and administered prophylactic antibiotics to high risk contacts as a preventive measure. They said that they are taking further preventive measures as well.

The low number of meningococcal cases that have been found in Maldives were generally in those who were infected while abroad.

Symptoms of the disease include:

- Fever

- Red spots on the skin

- Headaches

Symptoms of meningococcal become apparent within 1 to 10 days of infection.