DOH: Measles cases increased by 186%

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded an increase of 186 percent in measles cases in the country last year.

The latest Disease Surveillance Report of the DOH showed that 589 measles cases were recorded last year compared to 206 in 2021.

Calabarzon had the highest number of measles cases with 110 followed by Metro Manila with 77 and Central Visayas, 69.

The regions that recorded the highest increase in cases were Central Visayas with 1,050 percent or 69 from six; Mimaropa, 633 percent or 22 from three, and Central Luzon, 308 percent or 49 from 12.

Only the Cordillera Administrative Region reported a decline in cases from four to two.

One measles-related death was recorded, a case fatality rate of .2 percent.

The DOH had earlier said all the 17 regions in the country are at high risk for measles outbreak.

Dr. Alethea de Guzman of the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau cited the low immunization rate among children for the threat of infection.