DOH advocates measles vaccination

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Department of Health (DOH) appeals to the public to have their children vaccinated against measles following the declaration of an outbreak in Central Luzon and other regions.

Figures from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) show that from 47 suspect measles cases in January 2018, the number surged to 445 cases during the same period this year, posting an 846.81 percent increase in suspect cases.

Of the total suspect cases, DOH said there are already 192 confirmed cases, with four deaths, as of January 26.

“This is equivalent to a 500 percent increase, compared to just 32 confirmed cases in 2018,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in a statement.

With this outbreak, DOH called on the public to be vigilant in order to combat the further spread of the disease.

“We strongly encourage mothers to have their children vaccinated against measles. We also advise them to immediately bring their children to the nearest health facility and consult a doctor in cases of cough, colds, conjunctivitis and skin rashes,” DOH RESU Head Jessie Fantone said.

DOH said two doses of measles vaccines should be given to children: one at nine months old and the other one at 12 months old. Aside from immunization, oral rehydration and vitamin A supplementation are also important to prevent the disease.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It is transferred from one person to another by sneezing, coughing and close personal contact. Its signs and symptoms include cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, fever, and skin rashes lasting more than three days.

Its complications include diarrhea, middle ear infection, pneumonia, encephalitis, malnutrition, blindness, and even death. (PIA 3)