In its latest Measles Surveillance Report, the DOH said there are already 467 measles cases reported from January 1 to October 8, 2022.
This is 203 percent higher compared to the 154 measles cases reported during the same period in 2021.
Having the highest number of cases is Calabarzon with 84, followed by Central Visayas with 63, and National Capital Region with 53.
Registering the highest increase from the previous year are Central Visayas with 1,160 percent (5 to 63), Mimaropa with 950 percent (2 to 21), and Northern Mindanao with 278 percent (9 to 34).
One death due to measles has so far been reported for 2022.
This is in contrast to the absence of measles death reported during the same period in 2021.
In September, the DOH reported how all 17 regions in the country are considered at high risk for measles outbreak.
According to DOH-Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Alethea de Guzman, this is mainly because of the low immunization rate seen among children over the recent years.
De Guzman had also noted how measles outbreak in the country usually occurs every four to five years, with the last one taking place in the months bridging 2018 and 2019. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)