Measles cases up nearly 200%

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported an increase in the number of measles cases nationwide by almost 200 percent.

In its latest measles surveillance report, the DOH said 462 cases of the highly infectious disease were recorded from January to Oct. 15 compared to 159 during the same period last year.

One measles-related fatality was recorded compared to zero death in 2021.

Calabarzon posted the highest number of cases with 86 followed by Central Visayas with 64 and National Capital Region, 57.

Central Visayas recorded the highest increase in cases from five in 2021 to 64 this year followed by Mimaropa, from two to 21, and Central Luzon, from nine to 34.

The DOH had earlier said all the 17 regions nationwide are at high risk for measles outbreak due to low immunization rates.

Records show that 1.6 million children were unvaccinated for measles in 2021.

DOH epidemiology bureau director Dr. Alethea de Guzman said the figures may reach up to three million as the DOH has yet to account for the unvaccinated in the previous years.

The DOH said it would launch in March next year a supplemental immunization campaign targeting children aged five and below.