MANILA, Philippines — Cases of measles in the country continue to increase.
Data from the Department of Health (DOH)’s Epidemiology Bureau showed that 376 measles cases were reported from Jan. 1 to April 22.
The cases were 262 percent higher compared to the 104 recorded during the same period last year.
Zamboanga peninsula logged the highest number of cases at 79 followed by Central Visayas, 43, and Central Luzon and Metro Manila, 39 each.
The regions that recorded the highest increase in cases are Caraga at 800 percent or from two to 18; Central Visayas, 760 percent or from five to 43, and Eastern Visayas, 725 percent or from four to 33.
The DOH said no deaths due to measles have been reported so far.
Measles is a contagious respiratory infection that causes skin rashes and flu-like symptoms.
More than 6.9 million children have been vaccinated against measles and rubella and received polio drops since the DOH launched a monthlong immunization campaign on May 1.
The Chikiting Ligtas campaign aims to immunize 9.5 million children against measles and rubella and give bivalent oral polio vaccine to 11.5 million children.
The DOH had warned the public that all 17 regions were considered at high risk for measles outbreak due to low immunization rates among children in recent years.