Medication has started for close contacts identified through contact tracing done after meningococcal disease was detected in the Maldives and one person passed away, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said last night.
Football star Mohamed Arif (Baka), 38, died of meningococcal disease last night. Medication is therefore expected to have started for his close contacts.
"Upon the discovery of a case of invasive meningococcal disease, we have gathered the relevant information, carried out contact tracing, informed contacts, and started providing prophylactic medicine to contacts for protection from the disease," HPA said.
The Health Protection Agency urged persons exhibiting meningococcal symptoms from among those who travelled for the Hajj pilgrimage without taking the required vaccines or those who travelled less than 14 days after taking the vaccine to inform the agency quickly.
"Taking the meningococcal vaccine protects against the disease. It takes about two weeks for the meningococcal vaccine to develop defences in the body. It is important to take the vaccine at least two weeks in advance for protection against this disease," HPA said.
Baka died while undergoing treatment at the ADK hospital's intensive care unit shortly after he returned from the Hajj pilgrimage. His funeral took place in Hulhumale' after dawn prayers. Adhadhu has confirmed that Baka had been diagnosed with meningococcal disease.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease
- High fever
- Feeling constantly tired or exhausted
- Pain in joints or muscles
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Difficulty looking at bright light
- Vomiting with dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Red or dark purple rashes
- Cold hands and feet
- Excessive drowsiness
- Confusion
The disease spreads through the respiratory system. Symptoms of the disease appear within one to 10 days after infection.
