Sarangani sees huge rise in measles cases

Reported cases of measles in Sarangani province spiked by more than 800% in the last 11 months compared to the same period last year, according to the Department of Health (DoH).

The DoH’s Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (PIDSR) recorded 112 suspected cases of measles from the beginning of this year until November 17.

This is 833% higher than last year’s 12 cases, the PIDSR added.Reported measles is described as any case with fever and maculopapular (non-vesicular) rash and either cough, runny nose or conjunctivitis (red eyes) while a laboratory confirmed measles is a suspected case which tested positive for measles-specific IgM antibodies or other approved confirmatory tests.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes respiratory symptoms and a rash, but it is preventable with a vaccine. Suspected measles in Sarangani killed 18 people after 84 from B’laan Tribe showed symptoms of the viral disease since the first week of November, according to the DoH.