DOH: Measles cases breach 18,000 from 3,800 in 2017

MANILA, Philippines — From 3,804 in 2017, cases of measles ballooned to over 18,000 this year, health officials reported yesterday.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed a total of 18,026 combined measles and rubella cases were reported from Jan. 1 to Nov. 17, including 164 deaths.

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) accounted for the highest number of measles and rubella cases with 4,145, followed by the National Capital Region with 2,785.

Except for the Cordilleras, all regions in the country recorded an increase in the cases.

A total of 141 cases have been recorded in the Cordilleras this year, or a difference of 47 from 188 in 2017.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo attributed the continuing increase in measles cases to the people’s refusal to have themselves vaccinated.

Domingo expressed hope the trend would be reversed next year.

“Hopefully, by 2019, we can start catching up with our vaccination goals and targets again,” Domingo said.

The confirmed measles cases now total 3,793.

Metro Manila accounted for the highest number of confirmed measles cases with 739, followed by ARMM with 605 cases.