Department of Health (DOH-10) clarified that despite the rise of measles cases in the region, vaccines are enough and available [for free] at community health centers.
Dr. Ian Christian Gonzales of DOH-10 said there had been 289 measles cases and two deaths [due to complications] since January 2019 up to present in Northern Mindanao.
It is very unfortunate that this measles virus has come back, he said.
“It is not only a Philippine phenomenon, but worldwide in the US and Europe. There is downtrend of vaccines coverage that is why cases of measles is also going up,” he said.
It can be pointed out the vaccine hesitancy among parents are among the factors of measles outbreak, the doctor said.
Vaccines from the government are safe and very effective.
“Measles vaccines had been there and used for more than 30 years and is very effective,” he said.
All measles specimen is sent to research institute for tropical medicine for analysis.
Gonzales said, so far there has been no mutation seen from the original strain of the virus, 30 years ago. It’s still the same. The problem is really the decline of children and people getting the vaccine.
“Ni abot ang time nga gwapo atong vaccine coverage, walay measle or polio pero nawala sa mind unsa ka grabe ang measles. Na neglect ang importance sa vaccine,” he explained.
One child with measles can infect 18 other kids in the community, he said.
Symptoms of measles include rashes, fever, headache, loss of appetite and weakness of the body among others.
There is no cure to measles. But when a person gets it, what the hospital can do is supportive assistance such as providing hydration and nutrition. (pia x)
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