Measles problem, now stabilized—DOH

Photo: Facebook Page of DOH

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) said that there’s no more reason for the public to worry about measles outbreak in the country.

“Based on our mathematical projections, the cases have already stabilized. [The number of cases] hasn’t shot up unlike in November and December, which is good,” said Health Undersecretary Ted Herbosa.

From the period of Jan. 1 to 11, 2014, DOH’s disease surveillance report listed the following statistics:

• 1,163 suspected measles cases
• 55 or 4.7 percent were classified as laboratory confirmed
• Metro Manila has the most number of confirmed cases with 47 percent, followed by Calabarzon 42 percent; and Central Luzon with 11 percent
• Those who were diagnosed with confirmed measles have age range of 1 month to 35 years old
• Fifty-five percent were males
• 21 percent were vaccinated against measles

In line with its goals, the DOH made an appeal to parents to bring their children to health centers until Feb. 3.