Measles cases rise in Caraga — DOH

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — An increase in the number of measles cases has been reported in Caraga since Jan. 1, according to the Department of Health (DOH) regional office.

Jose Llacuna Jr., DOH regional director, said 53 cases were recorded as of Wednesday. Most of the cases were reported in Surigao City, particularly in Barangays San Juan and Washington.

Llacuna said vaccination coverage in the region has been low since last year.

The DOH targeted 300,133 children, aged nine months to six years, in Caraga for measles immunization last year.

“We cannot underscore... the value of protection over cure... We call on those who have the power to protect their children from measles to have their kids vaccinated,” Llacuna said.

He said the DOH would conduct a door-to-door immunization campaign against measles.

The DOH is eyeing mandatory vaccination for children amid the measles outbreak in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon as well as in Central and Western Visayas.

The number of measles cases also increased in other parts of the country.