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Measles outbreak in the Philippines
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The province of Iloilo in the Western Visayas is experiencing a measles outbreak
The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has noted a dramatic increase of measles cases in the area of the Western Visayas (the island of Panay). Iloilo had the most cases in the region with 33 of the 41 cases. There have been no fatalities from this outbreak. There were no cases of measles in Iloilo in all of 2008.
This “vaccine preventable disease” is one of the leading causes of mortality in children worldwide.
Measles or rubeola, is an acute highly communicable viral disease that is characterized by Koplik spots in the cheek or tongue very early in the disease. A couple of days later a red blotchy rash appears first on the face, and then spreads, lasting 4-7 days. Other symptoms include fever, cough and red watery eyes. The patient may be contagious from four days prior to the rash appearance to four days after rash appearance.
The disease is more severe in infants and adults. Complications from measles which is reported in up to 20% of people infected include; seizures, pneumonia, deafness and encephalitis.
Dr. Renilyn Reyes, Center for Health Development regional coordinator for the Expanded Program for Immunization blames the resurgence of measles in the Western Visayas area on “the accumulation of the susceptibles” or poor vaccination coverage.
The DOH is attempting to get local levels of government to actively participate in the measles elimination program.
The vaccine is being given for free at local health centers.
See more on the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine here
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