Measles deaths rise to 3, vaccination posts open

CEBU, Philippines — The highly-contagious measles disease has claimed another life.

One patient from Pinamungajan, Cebu reportedly died due to complications triggered by the measles virus, according to the Department of Health (DOH)-7.

This is the third measles-related death in Cebu reported this year.

With this, the DOH-7 has stepped up its efforts to make sure that everybody is protected from the measles virus through vaccination.

This intervention came at a time when measles cases have increased significantly, especially in Cebu province.

Based on the DOH-7 data, cases in Cebu from January 1 to February 12 rose to 2,280 percent from five cases in 2018 to 119 in 2019.

Of the 119 cases, three patients died.

The recent fatality was a two-year-old girl from Pinamungajan. The other two deceased patients were the two-year-old boy from San Francisco town in Camotes Island and the nine-month-old boy from Moalboal, Cebu.

Dr. Shelbay Blanco, cluster head of the DOH-7 Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, said the three children were reported to have died due to pneumonia – which is one of the most common complications suffered by measles-infected persons.

He said the case in Moalboal is already confirmed via laboratory tests that the patient indeed died due to complications caused by measles.

While the San Francisco case needs to be validated because there is still no specimen available.

He said the recent case in Pinamungajan is still awaiting results from the laboratory procedure done in Manila.

Because of the surge of cases in Cebu, the DOH-7 has also pushed for counter measures that will strengthen the protection among the populace from the measles disease.

The DOH-7 yesterday opened its own mass vaccination post at the regional office along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City.

The post will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be operational until the end of March.

Dr. Sophia Mancao, former DOH-7 assistant regional director, said the vaccination is free to all age group, especially to those who are not immunized in their earlier years.

She said the DOH-7 has prioritized the age group between nine to 59 months, but the thrust now is to cover the population even beyond that age group.

Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara has urged the DOG to ensure stable supply of measles vaccines in the country, especially in areas where there are outbreaks of the highly contagious disease.

“The DOH must ensure consistent and adequate supply of measles vaccines in anticipation of increased demand as many people rush to protect themselves and their children from the virus,” Angara said in a statement. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon GAN (FREEMAN)