Maldives has identified three cases of pertussis (whooping cough), a disease that was previously controlled in the country through vaccinations.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said on Tuesday that three children from GA. Vilingili tested positive for the disease.

Following case confirmation, the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and the GA. Atoll Hospital began contact tracing.

According to HPA, children under the age of one year and expectant mothers who are more than six months pregnant have been administered antibiotic prophylaxis.

Meanwhile, symptomatic contacts have been administered medicine.

HPA have set up a special task force at GA. Atoll Hospital in collaboration with other relevant institutions in Villingili to contain the spread of the disease.

The HPA warned that whooping cough can cause serious illness in people of all ages, but infants are most at risk.

The agency urged children under the age of seven who have not received a full dose of the vaccine to complete their vaccination as soon as possible.

The agency also urged people with a persistent cough, cough symptoms, chronic illnesses, young children and pregnant women to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be transmitted from person to person.

Initial symptoms resemble those of a cold with a runny nose, fever, and mild cough, followed by severe coughing for several months.

Children and adults who have been vaccinated may have milder symptoms, but they can still spread the germs to others.