MEASLES cases in the Philippines continue to climb and are now over 260 percent higher compared to last year, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
Based on the latest Disease Surveillance Report, the DOH said there are 730 measles cases recorded across the country from January 1 to June 17.
The number is 263 percent higher than the 201 measles cases recorded during the same period last year.
Central Luzon had the most number of measles cases with 104, followed by Central Visayas with 92, and Zamboanga Peninsula with 70.
Having the highest year-to-year increase, on the other hand, are Central Luzon (1,200 percent; 8 to 104), Eastern Visayas (860 percent; 5 to 48), and Soccsksargen (843 percent; 7 to 66).
Two deaths due to measles have already been reported this year for a case fatality rate of 0.27 percent.
In 2022, there were no deaths caused by measles during the same period.
The higher number of cases came despite the conduct of a nationwide measles-rubella immunization drive by the DOH from May 1 to June 15. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)