NewsDesk @bactiman63
Measles
Health officials in the Philippines report 208 measles cases from the beginning of the year through March 11, a 478 percent increase over the 36 cases reported during the same period in 2022.
13 of the 17 regions have seen increases in measles cases, some seeing dramatic increases– Zamboanga Peninsula is up 4000%, Central Visayas is up 2400% and the Metro Manila reports a 1067% increase compared to last year.
The 2023 nationwide Measles Rubella Oral-bivalent Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR OPV SIA) will be conducted in May this year to prevent the occurrence of an outbreak for vaccine-preventable diseases.
The national immunization rate in 2014 was 73.96 percent, lower when compared with the 82.41 percent coverage in 2013.
From 68.54 percent in 2016, it dropped to 66.32 percent in 2017, 63.15 percent in 2018, and 59.52 percent in 2022.
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Dengue
Officials also report dengue fever cases have roughly doubled in 2023 through March 11. From the beginning of the year, the Philippines has reported 25,248 total cases. This compares with the 12,772 cases reported from January 1 to March 11, 2022.
86 deaths have been reported, slightly less than the 93 deaths reported last year at this time.
Metro Manila reports the most cases of the 17 regions with 3614, followed by Central Luzon (2761), Calabarzon (2491) and the Davao Region (2415).
Health officials reiterate the call for residents to practice the “4S” strategy to prevent the spread of the disease. The “4S” strategy includes Search and destroy mosquito breeding places, Self-protection, Seek early consultation from doctors or other health personnel, and Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas.
China reports human H3N8 avian influenza case in Zhongshan City, Guangdong province
Vietnam: Dengue fever cases nationwide increased 2.3 times over the same period in 2022
South Korea reports increase of mosquito-borne diseases in travelers to Southeast Asia
