In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in the Philippines, the country’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported a dramatic increase in measles cases and deaths in less than a week.

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Image/Philippines DOH

According to the most recent data from the beginning of the year through Feb. 13, a total of 6,921 cases of measles was reported in 17 regions of the archipelago.

Hardest hit to date include is the National Capital Region, or the Metro Manila area (NCR) with 1,752 cases,  CALABARZON with 1,653 and Central Luzon with 982.

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In addition, officials report the death toll has increased to 115 nationwide.

A majority (4,495 or 65%) of the cases were not vaccinated, officials note, while children make up a large portion of the cases.

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