A total of 922 measles-rubella cases were reported from January 1 to March 1, a significant increase from the 683 cases recorded in the same period last year, the Department of Health (DOH) disclosed.
The health department said the 35 percent surge in cases has been observed in several regions, including the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos, Bicol, Western Visayas, and SOCCSKSARGEN.
According to DOH data, 625 cases, or 68 percent of those reported, involved children who were either unvaccinated or had incomplete measles vaccinations. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing.
“Ang isang batang may tigdas ay pwedeng makahawa sa labing-anim na iba pang mga bata. Kaya mahalagang mapigilan natin ang pagkalat ng sakit na ito (A child with measles can infect up to sixteen other children. That is why it is crucial to prevent the spread of this disease),” said DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa.
If left untreated, the agency said measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain infections, and even death, particularly among children under five years old.
However, these complications can be prevented through complete vaccination, it added.
“Itong mga sakit na ito ay napipigilan ng bakuna gaya ng MMR vaccine. Magpabakuna po tayo sa pinakamalapit na health center (These diseases can be prevented through vaccines like the MMR vaccine. Let us get vaccinated at the nearest health center),” Herbosa added.
The health department said routine immunization for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) continues in health centers for children aged 9-12 months.
Also, a catch-up immunization campaign will be conducted in March for children aged 13-59 months in selected regions, including Central Luzon, Calabarzon, SOCCSKSARGEN, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This campaign, according to DOH, seeks to vaccinate children who have not yet received or completed their MMR doses.
The DOH urged parents to coordinate with their local health centers to ensure their children receive the two necessary doses for full protection.
The health department also reminds the public to practice proper personal and respiratory hygiene, such as regular handwashing with soap and water, to prevent the spread of the virus.
Individuals showing measles symptoms, including high fever, body rashes, cough, colds, and eye redness, are advised to seek immediate medical consultation at the nearest health center.