BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) reiterated that vaccination remains the primary prevention strategy for measles.
Victoria Malicdan of the DOH-CAR Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit among the notifiable diseases is measles-rubella.
Measles or tigdas is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, and about nine out of 10 people exposed to the measles virus who are not immune will contract the disease.
According to DOH, an estimated 2.4 million children under the age of five are susceptible to measles in the Philippines. The manifestations of measles-rubella include high fever, barky cough, red or bloodshot eyes, runny nose, rash, tiredness, and red spots with white centers in mouth.
Measles could lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain infection, and death, especially among young children when not treated.
Malicdan reported that for the period January 1 to April 5, 2025, the region has recorded 68 measles-rubella cases, up by 84 percent increase compared to the 37 cases for the same period last year. Ages range from 5 months to 52 years old with more males affected(about 53 percent).
“For our prevention, let us have your child vaccinated because we all know na lagi naming sinasabi prevention is better than cure,” Malicdan said.
The local government units are also urged to take active participation in the implementation of preventive measures against measles and other notifiable diseases.
Parents or guardians are encouraged to visit health centers nearest them for vaccination schedules. (JDP/CVBT with PIA CAR-BSU Intern Ariann Mangayabas)
