Pangasinan measles cases up 400%

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines — The number of measles cases in Pangasinan have increased by almost 400 percent since January compared to the same period last year.

Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman of the provincial health office said 547 cases were reported with four deaths compared to only 123 cases and a lone fatality last year.   

De Guzman said the cities of Dagupan, San Carlos and Alaminos and the towns of Lingayen, Bugallon, Calasiao, Malasiqui, Binmaley, Sta. Barbara and Aguilar recorded the most number of cases. 

De Guzman said Pangasinan has the highest number of cases in Region 1 because it has the biggest population.

De Guzman said proximity to the areas where measles outbreak was declared is another factor for the increase in cases. 

He said the decline in anti-measles vaccination over the Dengvaxia scare could have contributed to the increase in the number of cases.  

The Department of Health office in Pangasinan said 28,000 children who “missed” their anti-measles vaccination last year are targeted for immunization.