ALMOST 1,000 cases of measles have been recorded across the country since the start of 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
In a statement, the DOH reported that a total of 922 measles cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to March 1.
“This is 35 percent higher compared to the 683 cases during the same period in 2024,” said the DOH.
It noted how nearly seven in every 10 cases were found to be people who are unvaccinated against measles.
“There are 625 cases or 68 percent of the reported cases that were unvaccinated or have incomplete doses against measles,” said the DOH.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus, which spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death, and is most common in children.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the numbers are unacceptable as measles can be prevented via vaccination.
Add to this, he said, is that measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccines are readily accessible in all health centers nationwide.
“This disease can easily be prevented by getting vaccinated. We should all get vaccinated in the nearest health center,” said Herbosa.
The DOH also said there will be catch-up measles immunization drive for children aged 13 to 59 months this March in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Soccsksargen and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“In the catch up immunization, we aim to vaccinate children that have zero or incomplete MMR vaccines,” said Herbosa. / Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines