Suspected measles cases rise to 488 in W. Visayas

ILOILO CITY – The number of suspected measles cases in Western Visayas has risen to 488.

From 195 cases as of February 2, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 293 more as of Feb. 14.

Dr. Mary Jane Roches Juanico, DOH’s regional immunization coordinator, said only 20 cases have been confirmed, with three suspected deaths. This represents a 50 percent jump from the initial 10 confirmed cases.

At a press conference Friday, Juanico said the region comprising of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental has an average of 20 new suspected new measles cases a day.

Negros Occidental had the biggest number of cases. The province and its capital of Bacolod City recorded a combined 260 cases.

Antique is next with 122 cases. Dr. Patricia Grace Trabado of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office strongly urged parents to let their children take advantage of the government’s free vaccination to avoid getting infected.