Close to 7,000 measles cases, including 115 deaths, recorded as of Feb. 13 – DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) said that it already recorded close to 7,000 measles cases nationwide, including 115 deaths.
Based on the latest data released by the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau, there are 6,921 confirmed measles cases recorded as of February 13.
The National Capital Region (NCR) has the highest number of cases with 1,752, including 32 deaths.
Following closely is Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) with 1,653 cases and 36 deaths; Central Luzon with 982 cases, including 12 deaths; Northern Mindanao with 388 cases, including four deaths; and Western Visayas with 383 cases, including three deaths.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Saturday reminded parents to seek medical assistance if their children exhibit symptoms of measles to avoid complications.
“Wag hintayin grumabe, lumabha ang kondisyon ng anak. Pag may pamumula ng mata, lagnat, LBM, ubo, sipon, pananakit ng katawan, patingin na sa hospital (Do not wait for their condition to get worst. If you observe eye redness, fever, LBM, cough, cold, and body pain, bring them to the hospital),” said Duque during his visit to Block 37 Health Center in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.
Last Friday, President Duterte urged Filipinos to get vaccinated to avoid contracting measles.
“Mga kababayan, dumadami ang kaso ng tigdas at ang komplikasyon nito ay mamatay ka. Sa mga anak natin, bakuna lamang ang tanging paraan makaiwas sa sakit na ito. Maraming salamat (My countrymen, the cases of measles is increasing and its complications may lead to death. For the children, vaccination is the only way to avoid contracting this illness. Thank you),” the President said during a taped video message aired on state-run People's Television Network.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) announced that the emergency medical unit (EMU) it set up for measles patients at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila is now fully operational.
PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said the EMU has 40 beds, serving as an extension of the San Lazaro Hospital for the measles patients.
He recalled that before the EMU was built, measles patients at San Lazaro Hospital share beds – three persons on one bed.
“When we visited the San Lazaro Hospital last February 7, we saw two or three children admitted in one bed, with their parents also sharing the space. That’s why we came up with this solution. This effort will also avoid turning away patients due to overcrowding,” he said.
The EMUs are equipped with durable beds, as well as air-conditioning units fit for a hospital setting, PRC said. (With a report from Jel Santos)