Philippines health officials are reporting that the measles cases in the province of Quezon are now controlled.

Health authorities said that as of 18 December, reports of measles cases in General Nakar in Quezon province had reached 107 cases. Cases were noted to increase in May this year. Most cases were aged four months to 38 years old from 17 barangays, with Barangay Limutan recording 19 cases, Anoling and Minahan with 14 cases each.

Measles/CDC
Measles/CDC

Fifty-one cases (46%) were treated in the rural health units and 49 of the cases (44%) in the district hospital. Eleven cases (10%) had no consultation at all. There were 14 recorded deaths.

Fifty-one cases (46%) were treated in the rural health units and 49 of the cases (44%) in the district hospital. Eleven cases (10%) had no consultation at all. There were 14 recorded deaths.

While the situation in Quezon province is controlled, reported cases in Antipolo City are still being managed.

Philippines: Measles cases up dramatically in 2018

Cases had been noted since March 19 this year. Cases at the time of report reached 333, with ages ranging from one month old to 45 years old. Most (219) of cases were not vaccinated. Of the total 333 cases, 44 were confirmed positive for measles. There were 10 reported deaths.

“We would like to reiterate to parents and caregivers that our measles vaccines are safe and have been in use worldwide for decades now,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque emphasized, adding that he is urging health workers to reach out to parents to provide them the best available information to allay fears, correct misconceptions and encourage vaccination.