Surge of measles, rubella; mpox arrives in 2024

The Department of Health (DOH), during the early part of the year, recorded increasing cases of measles and rubella (MR) in the country.

- By RHODINA VILLANUEVA

In February, the DOH noted that all regions, except for Bicol and Central Visayas, had increasing MR cases.

According to the DOH, a total of 569 measles and rubella cases were recorded nationwide.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, in particular, suffered from a measles outbreak wherein out of the 2,600 measles cases in the country, more than 1,400 cases were recorded in BARMM in March.

The DOH immediately employed a non-selective immunization strategy to help contain the measles outbreak in the region.

DOH also ordered five million doses of measles vaccine as part of its intensified campaign to address the increasing cases of measles.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa announced the DOH even put up a national public health emergency operations center to address the increasing cases of measles in the country.

"Code Blue (alert) has been practiced in the DOH central office since March 20, which signals intensified activities to mitigate the spread of the virus through vaccination, micronutrient supplementation, community engagement, and risk communication," he said.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It spreads from infected individuals through the air, especially through coughing or sneezing.

It affects all age groups, but is more common in children.

The country also recorded increasing pertussis cases from January to March this year, totaling 1,112 cases.

The health department noted that in 2022, only two pertussis cases were recorded and in 2023, there were only 23.