45 kids die of measles in Eastern Visayas

PALO, Leyte — Forty-five children died of measles, out of 737 patients all over Eastern Visayas, from January to May this year, the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) said.

The latest measles outbreak occurred at Dawahon Island in Bato, Leyte last May 13, where 40 people were hospitalized and one died, according to documents from the DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU). A DOH medical team immediately contained the outbreak.

There were a total of 14 measles outbreaks in the region from Nov. 22 last year to May 27, with Leyte having the most number of cases (188), followed by Northern Samar (127), Western Samar (44), Southern Leyte (10), Eastern Samar (four) and Biliran (one).

Infected with measles were children aged one to four.

From Nov. 29 last year to Jan. 29, two outbreaks hit two barangays in San Sebastian, Samar, afflicting 60 children, seven of whom died.

Other outbreaks were reported in Babatngon, Leyte (44 cases and one death); Tabango, Leyte (22 cases); Barangay Tibak, Sta. Fe, Leyte and Purok Anido Basper here (17 cases and two deaths); Barangay Cabucungan, Calbayog City (35 cases and three deaths); Barangay Baay, Tinambacan, Calbayog City (18 cases and three deaths); Barangay La Paz, Migara district, Calbayog City (23 cases and two deaths); Barangay Danao, Tinambacan, also in Calbayog (19 cases and one death); and Barangay McKinley, Catarman, Northern Samar (12 cases).

Meanwhile, the DOH regional office is also monitoring dengue cases in the region. From January to May this year, 215 cases have been reported.

Tacloban City had the most number of cases with 75, followed by Maasin City with 35.

In terms of provinces, Northern Leyte had 146; Southern Leyte, 45; Biliran, 12; Samar, nine; and Eastern Samar, three.

Health authorities have issued a dengue alert this month as they expect a surge in cases because of the rainy season.