Measles cases still rising

MANILA, Philippines — There are no indications that  measles incidence is slowing down, with over 2,000 cases recorded in a span of one week.

The Department of Health (DOH)’s Disease Surveillance Report showed a total of 23,563 cases of measles recorded nationwide from January to March 21, up by 2,167 posted as of March 14.

The figure was also 5,006 higher compared to the total number of measles cases recorded during the same period last year.

Fatalities due to measles also went up to 338 from only 46 deaths during the same period a year ago.

The DOH said Calabarzon accounted for the most number of cases with a total of 4,838, including 98 deaths, followed by Metro Manila with 4,568 cases, including 87 deaths.

Central Luzon also posted high number of measles cases with 3,761, including 57 deaths.

More than half or 59 percent of the measles patients were not vaccinated against the infection.

A majority or 12,442 of the total cases were males while children belonging to one to four years age group had the most number of cases with 6,688.