Quezon City logs 143 measles cases, urges child immunization
By Trixee Rosel
The Quezon City government has recorded 143 measles cases from Jan. 1 to April 16, prompting health authorities to renew their call for stronger protection for infants and sustained vaccination amid continued transmission in the city.
Data from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) showed that 76 percent of the cases, or 109, involved children aged 10 years old and below.
It also noted that 23 of the confirmed cases involved individuals not yet eligible for measles vaccination, including infants who rely on community immunity for protection against infection.
The city also reported one measles-related death this year.
City health authorities stressed that vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles.
They noted that the first dose of the measles-containing vaccine is given at nine months of age, followed by a second dose at one year old.
To curb further transmission, the local government continues to implement surveillance activities, outbreak response immunization, health education, and prevention campaigns.
Residents were advised to avoid crowded places, maintain proper hygiene, and ensure environmental sanitation.
They were also urged to immediately isolate individuals showing symptoms such as fever, cough, colds, and rashes, and to seek prompt medical consultation.
The local government reiterated its appeal to parents and guardians to keep children’s immunization schedules updated to help prevent further spread of the highly contagious disease.