Three more Davao kids die of measles

DAVAO CITY — The measles outbreak in a remote barangay here has claimed the lives of three more children, the city health office said.

This brings to 13, based on villagers’ claim, the number of measles deaths in Barangay Gumitan, a known lair of communist rebels at the foot of Mt. Apo.

But the city health office insisted there were only five confirmed deaths, including the three children aged one to seven who died from severe complications.

The Armed Forces has fielded a medical team to assist the city health office. The medical personnel were airlifted by an Air Force helicopter because Gumitan can be reached only after 15 hours of hiking.

The measles outbreak started last month with most of the victims succumbing to complications such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis and broncho-pneumonia.

Most of those affected were children aged one to three who were not immunized against measles. — Edith Regalado