DUE to a spike in the number of cases, Central Visayas and three other regions in the country have been declared as among those areas with measles outbreak.
The Department of Health (DOH) announced Thursday, February 7, that it has expanded the measles outbreak declaration to Central Visayas, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Western Visayas.
The DOH declared Wednesday, February 6, a measles outbreak in Metro Manila.
“We are expanding the outbreak from Metro Manila to the other regions as cases have increased in the past weeks,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Data show that as of January 26, Central Visayas had 71 cases with one death. This is a 3,450 percent increase compared to two cases recorded in 2018.
Calabarzon now had 575 cases with nine deaths. This is 2,538 percent higher compared to 21 cases in 2018.
Central Luzon had 192 cases with four deaths, a 500 percent increase compared to 32 cases in 2018.
Western Visayas, meantime, recorded 104 cases and three deaths, which is 550 percent higher compared to 16 cases in 2018.
Duque also called for vigilance over the rise in measles cases in Mimaropa (70), Ilocos Region (64), Northern Mindanao (60), Eastern Visayas (54), and Soccsksargen (43).
“These regions should likewise step up their response against this highly communicable disease, as well as ensure that preventive measures play a vital role in preventing the spread of the disease,” said Duque.
On Wednesday, the DOH declared a measles outbreak in Metro Manila after the National Capital Region (NCR) tallied 441 measles cases with five deaths. This is 1,125 percent higher compared to 36 cases recorded in 2018.
But Duque appealed anew to the public to set aside their fears toward vaccines, saying measles vaccines have been proven to be effective in saving the lives of millions of children annually.
“Huwag na po tayong magdalawang isip at dalhin ang inyong mga anak para magpa-immunize (Don't think twice. Have your children immunized)," Duque said.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease and is transmitted from person-to-person by sneezing, coughing, and close personal contact. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)