DOH: Fewer cases of measles reported last week

MANILA, Philippines - Health Secretary Enrique Ona said yesterday that fewer measles cases were reported to the Department of Health (DOH) last week, but he refused to conclude that the trend is declining.

“Based on the latest report that we got, it seems that the number of cases is going down this January. But again, it is too early for me to say that it is really on the decline,” Ona said during the PMA Kapihan Forum at the Manila Hotel.

Data on decreased measles cases, however, are not yet available.

Ona said the effects of the intensified immunization campaigns being done across the country would not be felt as yet.

“It will take two weeks to a month to see the effects. That is because you give the body the time to develop the antibodies. Hopefully, we can see the lessening of cases in the following weeks,” he explained.

Based on the records of DOH’s National Epidemiology Center, there were 2,232 measles cases in 2013. This was higher by 712 cases than the 1,520 cases recorded in 2012.

Measles outbreaks were declared in nine localities in Metro Manila, while a rise in cases was observed in some communities in the provinces.

No outbreak was declared in Calabarzon, but the region was not spared from the rising cases of measles.

The number of cases in the region in 2013 was 458, which was 288 percent higher compared with the 159 cases in 2012.

Nestor Santiago Jr., regional director of DOH-Regional Health Office 4A, said there was an increase in measles cases last year in Laguna (259), Batangas (88) and Cavite (57).

The cities with the highest number of cases were Sta. Rosa City in Laguna (119), Lipa City in Batangas (42) and Bacoor City in Cavite (23).

In outbreak areas, the DOH and local health authorities have conducted mass vaccination among children aged six months up to 59 months.

In other parts of the country, “catch up vaccination” is being done at the barangay health centers.

In September, the DOH will spearhead a nationwide mass immunization campaign among all children below five years old, regardless whether or not they have already been vaccinated against measles.

“The DOH is very much in control of these things and necessary interventions are in place,” Ona maintained.  – With Michelle Zoleta