DOH: One dead from measles, 6 more areas report cases

Six more areas have reported cases of measles in the past days, prompting the Department of Health (DOH) to intensify its nationwide vaccination drive. One person had already died from the airborne disease, according to Dr. Eric Tayag of the DOH National Epidemiology Center. “Ang aming kalihim, Secretary Esperanza Cabral, ay nag-utos na maging malawakan na ang pagbabakuna sa tigdas (Secretary Esperanza Cabral has already ordered a massive vaccination drive against measles)," Tayag told GMA News' Arnold Clavio during an interview on Unang Hirit. The DOH assured that there are enough supplies of anti-measles vaccines in every health center.

699 cases Tayag said the fatality was among the total 699 measles cases that have been recorded from January 1 to February 13, with the patients’ age ranging from one year to 71 years old. There were no other details surrounding the death of the person who had measles. Measles outbreak has already been declared in Baseco Compound and Moriones in Tondo, Manila; Barangay Pulang Lupa in Las Piñas City; Balabagan town in Lanao del Sur; Central Market in Dasmariñas, Cavite; and San Francisco town in Quezon province. In a television report, GMA News' Theresa Andrada quoted Cabral as saying that six more areas reported new measles incidents. These are Masbate City with 12 cases; Parañaque city, six; Tarlac City, five; Antipolo City in Rizal, four; Lambunano town in Iloilo, three; and Alabang, Muntinlupa, two. Among the symptoms of measles are fever, general weakness, and, in some cases, red eyes. These usually come before the characteristic skin rash confirming the onset of measles. Appeal to parents Tayag also renewed the DOH’s appeal for parents to avail of the government's free vaccination for their children. “Libre iyon, nakakalimutan lang siguro ng ilang mga magulang natin, sapagkat isa ito sa mga huling bakuna na binibigay bago tumuntong ng isang taon ang bata (The vaccinations are for free and given to infants less than one year of age)," he said. Tayag said children, especially those who are malnourished, may risk complications like bronchopneumonia and loose bowel movement as a result of measles. He said some may even lose their eyesight. Tayag, meanwhile, advised the public to wear face masks to avoid the spread of the virus. Isolation of patients with measles was also encouraged. - Aie Balagtas See and Carmela Lapeña/KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV