Bulacan measles cases up 720%

MALOLOS, Philippines — Measles cases in Bulacan have increased by 720 percent, data from the provincial epidemiology and surveillance unit showed.

Forty-one cases were reported from January to April 8 compared to five during the same period last year.

To achieve 95 percent of measles and polio vaccination target, Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando led yesterday a three-day orientation of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to be tapped for a general immunization campaign next month.

The mass vaccination for measles and polio is intended for children aged five years and below.

Fernando urged health practitioners and volunteers to promote the campaign to prevent outbreaks and help in the long-term goal of eliminating measles in the country.

Last year, the Department of Health issued a warning that all 17 regions are at high risk for measles outbreak due to the low immunization rate among children in the past several years.