Measles, rubella cases up 39 percent

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded over 2,000 cases of measles and rubella nationwide.

Latest data from the DOH showed that 2,264 cases were reported as of April 27, an increase of 39 percent compared to the 1,627 recorded on April 6.

Meanwhile, the DOH reported that 1,177,299 children in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have been vaccinated against measles since May 1.

The department said it is close to achieving its target of 1.3 million vaccinees during the measles outbreak response immunization program in BARMM, which started on April 1.

The vaccination drive was launched after a measles outbreak was declared in the region.

The Bangsamoro region accounted for 48 percent of measles cases recorded nationwide since January.

The DOH reiterated its call to parents and guardians to bring their children to the nearest health facility to get vaccinated against measles.

Measles, which is highly contagious, spreads from infected individuals through the air, especially through coughing or sneezing.

It affects all age groups, but is more common in children. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and a body rash.

There is no specific treatment for the virus that causes measles, but vaccination provides protection against the disease.