The Department of Health in the region of CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces) has been one of the hardest hit regions in the Philippines this year when it comes to the measles epidemic.

This was a patient who presented with Koplik’s spots on palate due to pre-eruptive measles on day 3 of the illness./CDC
This was a patient who presented with Koplik’s spots on palate due to pre-eruptive measles on day 3 of the illness./CDC

According to health department data, a total of 3,384 measles cases with 83 deaths in the region from January 1 to February 23. This is a whopping 3,835 percent higher than the case tally same time in 2018 (86).

This accounts for nearly 30 percent of cases on the archipelago this year to date.

Health officials note that Rizal province posted the highest number of measles cases at 1,761 with 58 deaths followed by Cavite, 485 cases and eight deaths; Laguna, 477 and nine deaths; Batangas, 359 cases and four deaths; and Quezon, 302 cases and four deaths.

Nationally, the Philippines has seen 11,459 measles cases, including 189 fatalities since the beginning of the year though Feb. 20.

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