Metro Manila has most number of measles cases in 2013 – DOH
Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag
MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Region (NCR) recorded the most number of measles cases in the country in 2013, Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag said in his Twitter account.
Metro Manila tallied 1,051 confirmed cases of measles, 47 percent of the total 2,232 cases in the country, tweeted Tayag on Tuesday.
The NCR measles figure is also 4.104 percent higher than the 25 cases reported in 2012.
The report came amid a measles outbreak declared by the DOH in five Metro Manila cities in January.
At least 55 deaths due to measles were recorded in 2013 nationwide, Tayag said.
Next to Metro Manila is Region 4-A with 526 measles cases, followed by Region 6 with 306 cases, Tayag added.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons, the World Health Organization said.
The WHO said there is no specific treatment for measles and recovery may take two to three weeks. But complications of measles in malnourished children may result in blindness, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis and ear infection.
The symptoms of measles are redness of the eyes, coughs and colds, fever reaching 40 degrees Celsius, and rashes on the ears, face, neck, and the whole body, and difficulty of breathing.
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