Rise in measles cases noted

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health yesterday reported an increase in measles cases in the country.

Latest data provided by the DOH showed that as of Dec. 6, a total of 4,843 cases of measles have been reported.

This is 29 percent higher than the 3,748 cases logged in the same period last year.

The regions that recorded the most number of cases are the National Capital Region with 1,027 cases. This was followed by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Calabarzon, with 768 and 505 cases, respectively.

The health department noted that 3,511 or 73 percent of the cases reported involved unvaccinated children or those who were not able to complete their vaccines against measles.

In a social media post, the DOH said to prevent further increase in cases, it will conduct a “Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity” or “Ligtas-Tigdas Vaccination” campaign starting Jan. 19 next year.

Phase 1 of the vaccination program will cover Mindanao and the BARMM from Jan. 19 to Feb. 13, 2026.

Phase 2 of the immunization activity will focus on the Luzon and Visayas areas in June 2026.

The DOH said that through Ligtas-Tigdas Vaccination and with the help of local government units, it will intensify immunization of children against measles in order to prevent deaths.

The department targets children six months up to five years to be covered by the immunization activity.