WHO warns of 'dangerous measles comeback'

Over 2,000 measles cases have been recorded in the Philippines, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to warn of a "dangerous comeback" of vaccine-preventable diseases across East Asia and the Pacific.

- By MAYEN JAYMALIN

Based on data from the Department of Health (DOH), a total of 2,118 measles-rubella (MR) cases were recorded nationwide as of May 10. This figure is eight percent higher compared to the same period last year.

The National Capital Region posted the highest number of cases with 642, followed by Calabarzon with 289, Mimaropa with 148, Central Luzon with 146, and Zamboanga Peninsula with 137.

In comparison, Mongolia recorded 2,682 cases as of May 21, while Cambodia confirmed 2,150 cases between January and April.

The DOH noted that the Case Fatality Rate for the same period is slightly lower at 0.42 percent compared to 0.46 percent last year.