MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health has recorded more than 9,000 cases of measles across the country from January 1 to February 18, 2019.
The department said this is three times higher than what was seen in the same period in 2018 with 2,534 cases.
The death toll on measles cases has also risen to one hundred forty-six.
The department also said that there is a rising concern over the increasing number of measles cases in CALABARZON, the National Capital Region, and Central Luzon.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III has made an appeal to health center representatives in Metro Manila to extend their services and conduct free vaccination on children age six months to five years on weekends.
“Buong Kamaynilan ang kanila pong mga kinatawan ay sumang-ayon na habaan ang oras. Ang mga bakunahan tuwing Sabado at nakikiusap ako pwede pong pati Linggo [Representatives in the whole of Metro Manila agreed to extend their working time. Conduct vaccination on Saturdays, and if need be, even on Sundays],” said Duque.
Last Saturday, health centers in the NCR has conducted the said free vaccination.
The DOH said this should be done as part of their intensified efforts to curb the spread of the virus and, in turn, prevent further backlash on tourism and the economy.
Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo, on the other hand, allayed fears of other countries that Filipino travelers may be possible carriers of the virus.
The health official also expressed concern over the issue that authorities from other countries might prevent their citizens from traveling to the Philippines, as this may have a severe effect on the economy.
“Sa mga tourist na papunta satin [To the incoming tourists], we want to assure them that everything is being done to contain the outbreaks and control it the soonest time possible,” said Domingo. — Maris Federez (with reports from Aiko Miguel)
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