DOH: Measles-rubella cases in PH now decreasing

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s measles-rubella (MR) cases are now on a decline, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Saturday.

In a statement, DOH said it had recorded 2,552 MR cases as of May 11 since the start of the year but did not monitor an increase in these cases during its most recent six-week monitoring period.

“The nationwide MR epidemic curve is now showing signs of decrease. Only five deaths have been reported. Children under 10 years of age have been the most-at-risk age group for MR, making up 83 percent (2,114) of the total number of cases,” the DOH said.

READ: BARMM posted 1,481 measles-rubella infections as of March 16 

“All regions did not have a continuous increase of MR cases during the most recent six-week monitoring period,” the agency further said.

It added that MR cases from April 14 to April 27 are 8 percent lower (408 cases) than those recorded from March 31 to April 13 (442 cases).

However, DOH noted that case counts may change “as there may be late consultations and reports.”

Of the 2,552 total cases recorded so far, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao recorded the highest number of cases at 1,196, but DOH said that the region’s Ministry of Health outbreak response immunization resulted in 65 percent lower case counts in the area from April 28 to May 11 compared to April 14 to April 27.

To ensure a continuous decrease in MR cases, the DOH has been implementing intensified vaccination campaigns with local governments, primary care doctors, and allied health workers.