Negros Occidental provincial health officer, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, yesterday revealed the province is witnessing a significant increase in measles cases with data showing 103 cases reported in 2018, a massive increase from the three recorded in the previous year.

Despite the Department of Health recently declaring an outbreak over the Western Visayas, the provincial official said the current numbers are “manageable” and it has not reached the level of an outbreak in Negros Occidental.

He said the province is currently conducting a supplemental immunization activity.

“That means we go beyond our normal immunization schedule,” Tumimbang explained. “We are looking for children who failed to come back for the second [immunization] dose or those who [did not] go to the health center after the birth.”

He noted, typically, health officials are “waiting at the barangay health station or health center.”

“We also go to schools to conduct immunizations,” the provincial official added. “There are also times that teachers bring the children to the health centers.”

Tumimbang also assured the government has provided enough vaccinations.

Most of the measles cases recorded last year were in Himamaylan City, Sagay City, Calatrava, Murcia, and San Carlos City./DGB, WDJ