Increasing cases of measles in Bicol region alarms DOH

LEGAZPI CITY – Six people in the provinces of Albay and Camarines Norte have died of measles as the Department of Health (DOH) expressed alarm over the increasing cases of the highly contagious and infectious disease in the Bicol region since January.

According to Dr. Rita Mae Ang-Bon, family cluster head of DOH Bicol, they have recorded 239 suspected cases of measles throughout region since January 1 up to September 29.

“It is high compared in 2017 covering the same period which only reached 61 suspected cases,” Bon said.

The DOH recorded 12 cases in Albay, 63 in Camarines Norte, 69 in Camarines Sur, three in Catanduanes, 80 in Masbate and 12 in Sorsogon.

“The increasing cases of measles in Bicol region is alarming. In fact, measles is a vaccine-preventable disease meaning no one should get sick of measles as it can be prevented by having the vaccine shot,” Dr. Isiah Mancilla, medical officer III of DOH Bicol, said

He said parents should not be afraid or hesitant to visit health centers to avail of the vaccine so that their babies or children will be protected from different ailments.

Meanwhile, a simultaneous school based measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination is being done by health workers. In Ligao City, Grade 7 students of the Ligao National High School were given the MMR vaccines by health workers for free.

“We are trying to give them these vaccinations to boost their immunity against diseases like measles, mumps and rubella and also with tetanus diphtheria vaccination,” Dolly Cudiamat, Ligao City Health Nurse said.

“Administering MMR vaccine would strengthen their immune system and will prevent them from getting sick,” Aileen Ravalo, school nurse said.  /muf