THE Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas has stepped up its immunization program following the measles outbreak in the country.
From January 1 to February 17 alone, the region posted 438 cases of measles with 15 deaths.
There is measles outbreak in our country and Eastern Visayas was one of the identified regions with increasing number of cases, the DOH regional office said.
The DOH said that the majority of the cases in the region were from Leyte, affecting at least 291 people and with ages ranging from one month to 80 years old.
In its advisory, the DOH urged the public to participate and observe the precautionary measures to control the spread of the diseases.
They called on the parents to have their infants and children who are six to 59 months or five years old below receive one dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV) and Vitamin A supplement at the nearest public health centers.
However, children who already received at least two doses of MCV shall not be vaccinated during this campaign, the DOH advisory said.
Also, all “unvaccinated or incomplete” Grades 1 to 6 pupils and pre-schools shall be vaccinated with one dose of MCV.
Age group not mentioned above are advised to observe self- precautionary measures by limiting exposure to crowded places and observe proper hygiene (hand washing, cough manners, wearing of a mask, etc.) especially if not feeling well (with fever, cough, and colds, etc.).
To boost the immune system, individuals are advised to have a proper diet, exercise, enough sleep, and increase intake of Vitamin C-rich foods and supplements.
The early signs of this deadly and highly contagious disease include fever, cough, colds, conjunctivitis, and rashes.
Its complications include pneumonia, diarrhea, ear infection, blindness, and encephalitis. (SunStar Philippines)