NewsDesk @bactiman63

Philippines health officials report a 203 percent increase in measles cases in 2022. From January 1 to October 8, 467 cumulative measles cases have been reported.

Measles/CDC

This compares with 154 cases reported during the same period in 2021.

The regions reporting the most measles cases include Calabarzon (84), Central Visayas (63) and Metro Manila (53).

One death has been recorded in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) region.

Other vaccine preventable diseases where the country is reporting increases include diphtheria (53 cases/16 deaths in 2022 vs 31 cases/10 deaths in 2021; rubella (43 cases in 2022 vs 31 in 2021 and tetanus (572 cases/152 deaths in 2022 vs 439 cases/104 deaths in 2021).

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

People can spread measles up to four days before and four days after a rash.

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Signs and symptoms of measles include maculopapular rash, high fever, and a cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes.

Measles can be severe in all age groups and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and death. Several groups are more likely to suffer from measles complications, including children younger than five years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection.