A TOTAL of 289 measles cases in Northern Mindanao, including two deaths, was recorded from January 2019 until present, the Department of Health (DOH) in the region said.
However, the DOH has not declared an outbreak yet as some of the recorded cases are still being confirmed by the central office in Manila, doctor Ian Gonzales, chief of non-communicable diseases department of DOH-Northern Mindanao, said.
"There are confirmed 289 (cases, but) I don't have the figure since I am not with the surveillance (team)," he added.
The health agency also encouraged those who have not been vaccinated to visit the nearest heath centers to avoid being infected by the measles virus.
"For those who have not been vaccinated yet, don’ be afraid of our measles vaccine. Our measles vaccine are safe, effective and free in all DOH health centers. So don’t be afraid, visit our health centers and be vaccinated so you (and your children) will not be sick," Gonzales said.
The Department of Health has intensified their measles immunization campaign following the increase in measles cases in different parts of the country.
Part of their campaign is the house to house immunization, wherein it was reported that children were not able to be vaccinated due to their parents being too busy or due to being sick during the immunization.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It can be spread through coughing and sneezing, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
It can be identified through blood test and oral pharyngeal examination.