Most cases reported in Negros Occidental

Since the measles outbreak was declared in the Western Visayas last week, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) said 20 “suspected” measles cases are recorded every day. In addition, DOH-Region VI (DOH-6) Child Health Program medical coordinator, Dr. Mary Jane Juanico, said, between February 9 and 10, 26 new “suspected” cases were recorded across the region.

According to Juanico, DOH-6 director, Dr. Marlyn Convocar, is seeking assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region VI (DPWH-6) and Department of Education-Region VI (DepEd-6) and would like the agencies to intensify their measles vaccination campaign.

DepEd-6 has since issued a directive to vaccinate students between Grades 1 and 7, which comprise of around 170,000 individuals; while DSWD-6 is planning to issue a memorandum mandating the immunization of day care students and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries.

Based on data from last Sunday, Juanico said there are a total of 359 “suspected” measles cases in the region, 10 confirmed cases, and three deaths. She noted, Negros Occidental reported the highest number of cases with 144, followed by Antique with 101.

Recent data also showed Guimaras with zero cases reported./WDJ