DOH-6 on alert as measles cases in Iloilo rise
The measles cases in Iloilo City drastically increased from just one case in 2009 to 25 confirmed cases this first two months of the year.
Dr. Glen Alonsabe, regional epidemiology chief of the Department of Health-6 said the 25 confirmed cases were registered in the month of January and second week of February alone.
Alonsabe said proper interventions have already been made to address the increasing number of measles cases. The intervention includes the vaccination of children five years and below.
He also said the measles cases in the town of Lambunao is more than what was reported by the national office of the health department. There are more than four cases in the town but most of them are unreported. The measles-afflicted children stayed in their homes after there were no perceived complications.
Recently, the DOH identified the municipality of Lambunao as among the towns in the country with recorded measles outbreak.
He encouraged parents of the children to avail of free measles vaccination. There are enough anti-measles vaccines in the region for the children.
The health department also provided them with Vitamin A to lessen the complications caused by measles. The illness can cause complications in children with weak immune system.
Alonsabe said there are children from 15 years old and 30 years old afflicted by the illness.
The disease is contagious five days before the symptoms come out and five days after it is healed. The adults are “notorious carriers.” They have to avoid in mingling with other people, said Alonsabe.
The symptoms of measles include occasional red eyes, fever and weakness. The symptoms usually come out with skin rashes.
If these symptoms are manifested in a child, parents should immediately seek medical attention from the health centers, said Alonsabe.
