DOH: 3 dead as measles hit Bicol region

LEGAZPI CITY – At least three patients in the provinces of Albay and Camarines Norte have died from measles out of almost 200 suspected cases in the Bicol region, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday.

Dr. Rita Mae Ang-Bon, the family cluster head of DOH Bicol said they have recorded 187 suspected cases of measles throughout the region from January 1 to September 1 this year.

“It is high compared in 2017 covering the same period which only reached up to 54 suspected cases,” Bon said.

The DOH has recorded 12 measles cases in Albay, 38 in Camarines Norte, 60 in Camarines Sur, three in Catanduanes, 62 in Masbate, and 12 in Sorsogon.

Meanwhile, a simultaneous school-based measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations were done by the DOH nationwide to protect students from the diseases.  /muf