BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod urged the City Health Office (CHO) to launch an intensified campaign to prevent an outbreak of measles.
Among others, there is a need to educate people about ways to prevent the spread of measles and its proper treatment, stressed the city council in a resolution authored by Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, chair of the committee on health and sanitation.
On Oct. 1, 2022, the Department of Health (DOH), through its Epidemiology Bureau, announced that all regions are at “high risk” for measles outbreaks due to low vaccination coverage and detection of measles.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It is transferred from person-to-person by sneezing, coughing, and close personal contact.
Its signs and symptoms include coughing, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), fever, and skin rashes lasting for more than three days.
The Philippines has seen a 154 percent increase in measles cases this year said Puentevella.
Health officials reported 373 cases through Sept. 10, more than twice the 147 cases reported in the same period in 2021, the city councilor added./PN
