CL

to immunize 625,094 children who are not yet vaccinated according to the Regional Local Health Support Division.

“This figure is the best estimate based on target population of those who are susceptible to measles after the last supplemental immunization in 2014,” DOH Regional Local Health Support Division Chief Lailani Mangulabnan said in a recent press conference.

In Pampanga, Governor Lilia Pineda ordered all local health offices to intensify the massive vaccination and information dissemination campaign against measles amid the reported 137 cases and five measles-related deaths.

According to provincial health officer Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, the cases were pooled from the reports of different municipalities from January 1 to December 31 last year. The towns and cities with the highest number of reported cases include Angeles City (16 cases), Floridablanca (15 cases), Lubao (18 cases), Porac (11 cases) and the City of San Fernando with (11 cases.)

Governor Pineda also strictly ordered for the transfer of infected patients to the newly constructed Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital Annex in San Luis for close monitoring, observation and examination to prevent the disease in becoming a full-blown epidemic.

The lady governor reiterated to the public the importance of vaccination adding that the measles vaccine is safe and free.

According to the DOH, there is an unexpected increase in the number of affected children in the province compared to 2018.

Measles is a highly infectious and communicable disease caused by a virus. This can lead to complications, such as blindness, encephalitis, pneumonia, diarrhea and even death if not properly managed.