CLOSE to 33,000 cases of measles have already been reported nationwide just 16 weeks into 2019, based on the latest data of the Department of Health (DOH).

In its latest Disease Surveillance Report, the DOH reported that 32,641 measles cases were recorded from January 1 to April 20, with 455 deaths.

This was higher than the 7,140 measles cases reported during the same period of last year.

The death toll so far this year is also higher than the 61 deaths during the same period of 2018.

The National Capital Region had the most cases at 6,435, with 109 deaths.

Calabarzon came in second with 6,181 cases and 113 deaths.

Central Luzon had the third highest measles cases at 5,408, with 104 deaths.

More than half, or 58 percent (18,923) of the measles cases involved patients who were not inoculated with the anti-measles vaccine.

More than half, or 53 percent, of the patients were male.

Nearly three of 10 patients, or 27 percent for a total of 8,792, were children from the 1-4 years old age group.

Earlier, the DOH said the measles outbreak was already under control but that the declaration will not yet be lifted until the 95 percent herd immunity is attained. (HDT/ SunStar Philippines)