MANILA, Philippines – According to the Department of Health (DOH), they documented 1,185 instances of measles nationwide between January 1 and March 15. This figure represents an increase of “27% more” compared to the 930 cases logged over the identical timeframe in 2024.
In a Facebook update, the Department of Health reported that the regions with the most cases were: the National Capital Region with 295 instances; Central Luzon with 150 instances; and Calabarzon which includes Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, totaling 144 cases.
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68% of German measles cases in the Philippines are among those who are not vaccinated, according to the DOH.
The Department of Health cautioned parents to ensure their kids receive vaccinations for measles since out of all reported instances, 802 cases, which make up 68%, involved children who either did not get vaccinated at all or only received partial doses.
“If many children remain unvaccinated, it means the threat of measles is also increasing. That is why the DOH is once again urging parents to ensure their children receive the measles vaccine,” it added.
The agency stated that according to their immunization program, kids receive the initial vaccine dose at 9 months of age, followed by the second dose when they reach 12 months.
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The Department of Health has vaccinated more than 640,000 children against measles.
Children between 13 and 59 months old who haven’t received all their vaccines can join a catch-up vaccination initiative.
The Department of Health earlier stated that vaccination is crucial to avoid complications like pneumonia, meningitis, and fatalities, particularly in children younger than five years old.