DOH releases measles update for C. Visayas

CEBU CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas reported Tuesday that cases of measles in the region went up from 433 last week to 475 with six deaths as of last Saturday.

Dr. Shelbay Blanco, Medical Officer of the DOH regional office, said 336 cases were from the province of Cebu, 103 from Negros Oriental, 34 from Bohol and two from Siquijor.

.The two most recent recorded measles fatalities are a one-year-old boy from Consolacion, Cebu, and a 5-month-old girl from Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City, Blanco said.

The bulk of the cases are children, who are highly susceptible and are the primary target for immunization.

Blanco added that most cases are from highly-urbanized cities since the disease, which could be spread through coughing and sneezing, could easily spread in densely populated areas.

DOH’s outbreak response immunization coverage is currently at 20.5 percent in municipalities and cities in the region as of Feb. 26. The agency is urging parents and guardians to immediately take their children to health centers for check-ups and vaccinations, instead of waiting for health workers to go to their areas, Blanco said.

Also targeted for immunization are mothers, women of reproductive age, and individuals unsure of their vaccinations.

Blanco asked Local Government Units (LGUs) and private hospitals and clinics to immediately report measles cases to DOH.

Aside from measles, cases of dengue are also rising at an alarming rate. According to Blanco. the recorded cases of dengue rose from 3,681 last week to 4,089 cases with 29 deaths as of Tuesday.

The current dengue cases are 231 percent higher than the 1,232 cases and 5 deaths last year.

The top five areas with the highest number of dengue cases are Cebu City with 478, Lapu-Lapu City with 390, Mandaue City with 234, Dumaguete City with 148 and Danao City with 93. (With reports from Clyde Piczon, USC intern)