MEASLES cases in the country have continued to grow in 2022 when compared to last year, based on the latest data of the Department of Health (DOH).

In its latest Measles Surveillance Report, the DOH said there were already 495 measles cases reported from January 1 to October 22.

This is 202 percent higher compared to the 164 measles cases reported during the same period last year.

Having the highest number of cases were Calabarzon with 88, followed by Central Visayas with 62, and National Capital Region with 62.

On the other hand, registering the highest increase from the previous year were Central Visayas with 1,140 percent (5 to 62), Mimaropa with 950 percent (2 to 21), and Central Luzon with 300 percent (9 to 36).

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 last year.

In October, the DOH reported how all 17 regions in the country are considered to be at high risk for measles outbreak.

DOH-Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr Alethea de Guzman said this is mainly because of the low immunization rate seen among children over the recent years.

De Guzman also noted how measles outbreaks in the country usually occur every four to five years, with the last one taking place in the months bridging 2018 and 2019. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)