DOH: ‘Tigdas’ on the rise

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday warned the public against the rapid increase in the number of measles cases in Metro Manila.

A partial report from the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) showed 179 confirmed cases from January to Dec. 10 which is 616 percent higher compared to last year’s 15 cases during the same period.

DOH-National Capital Region director Eduardo Janairo advised the public to be careful as he described measles as a severe disease that could cause complications like ear infection, pneumonia and even inflammation of the brain.

“It is also highly contagious and can be spread easily through [coughing and sneezing] and direct contact with affected persons through nose or mouth secretions,” Janairo said, adding that in a pregnant woman, measles may lead to a miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth weight baby.

The RESU report noted that for the 179 cases reported this year, the ages of the patients ranged from one month to 37 years. Most of the cases were in the one to four years old group and male.

Two deaths were reported, one from Malabon City and the other from Muntinlupa City, it added.

The city which reported the highest number of cases was Las Piñas with 44, followed by Muntinlupa with 32; Caloocan, 26; Manila 22; Parañaque, 15; Malabon, 10; Quezon City, 8; Taguig, 8;  Navotas, 7; Pasay, 4; Makati, 2; and Pasig, 1.

There were no cases in the cities of Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan, Valenzuela and the municipality of Pateros, the report said.

Those who come down with measles usually start out with common cold symptoms like a high fever, cough, a runny nose, red eyes that can last for several days followed by the appearance of red, blotchy rashes.

“If you believe you [have been] exposed to someone with measles, you should watch out for measles symptoms after nine days. Some persons can be affected immediately before the rash appears four days after being exposed,” said Janairo.

According to him, everyone should check to make sure that they and their family are up to date in their shots, especially the measles/mumps/rubella or MMR vaccine.

“Measles vaccination not only protects the person but also serves as a safeguard for family members who are too young to get the vaccine or haven’t received it yet. Receiving two doses of the measles vaccine is highly effective in preventing it,” he explained.

Janairo urged the public to report suspected measles cases to a health care provider before going to a hospital. He said a suspected case must first be evaluated to protect other patients and health workers from possible infection.