Negros has most number of measles cases in W. Visayas

NEGROS Occidental, including Bacolod City, has the most number of measles cases all over Western Visayas, accounting for almost 88 percent of measles cases all over the region.

In fact, a declaration for an outbreak is being considered in some areas in the province.

Department of Health - Center for Health Development- Western Visayas
Laboratory Confirmed Measles Cases from January – April 28,2012 data showed that in Negros Occidental ,Binalbagan has 25 cases; Himamaylan-23, Isabela-5; Kabankalan City -18; Isabela-7;Moises Padilla-5; Valladolid-3.

Because of this measles cases, the DOH regional office has came up with the recommendations on the management of clustering of measles cases in Western Visayas.

These measures include the strengthened immunization in every health facility, ensure weekly immunization in all main health centers, regular outreach immunization activity especially in hard to reach areas, follow up and vaccinate all defaulters for all EPI vaccines of routine immunization and MR SIA.

DOH also aims to ensure that all children ages 1-2 years old shall receive at least 2 doses of measles containing vaccines and to provide Vitamin A supplementation to all target children bi-annually.

DOH also said that area-specific Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) may be conducted after a thorough assessment of the epidemiology of measles in the area, routine immunization coverage and availability of logistics, such as vaccines, syringes, and human resources or vaccinators.

DOH will also ensure that all suspect measles cases will be reported on time and investigated. After proper investigation, strategies to strengthen routine immunization and/or ORI shall be conducted, even prior to the official result of laboratory confirmation for measles.