The outbreak was declared after cases were reported in a number of areas, including Dumaguete City. The exact number of cases has not been disclosed.
According to Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Enrique Domingo, teams have been deployed to the province to monitor the cases and collect samples for analysis. Upon confirmation, catch-up vaccination efforts will commence.
In a post on the Philippines Department of Health Facebook page today, Dr. Francisco Duque advised parent to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles (tigdas).
Dr Melvin Sanicas discusses vaccines in the podcast below:
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and affects primarily children. It is transmitted by airborne droplets or via direct contact with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat of infected individuals. Symptoms include high fever, generalized rash all over the body, stuffy nose, and reddened eyes. It can cause serious complications including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia, particularly in children with nutritional problems and in immunocompromised patients.