THE Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Region I started closely monitoring cases of measles in the region after four confirmed cases were recorded, and 126 more suspected cases were initially reported.

According to the DOH-CHD’s latest tally, 19 suspected cases were in Ilocos Norte, 13 in Ilocos Sur, 38 in La Union, 45 in Pangasinan, and 11 in Dagupan City.

Dr. Rheuel Bobis, Medical Officer IV, said surveillance is ongoing, especially among children showing symptoms of measles, i.e., fever, cough, colds, difficulty breathing, rashes, and reddish eyes.

Blood samples gathered from suspected cases have been sent for examination and confirmation.

Bobis warned measles virus is contagious and if not detected and treated early, the patients can end up with more complications, including death.

The spread of measles is similar to that of COVID-19, namely, droplets, cold, sneeze, direct contact with measle patients, said Bobis.

Acquiring measles may be prevented through vaccination and wearing of facemasks.

It will be recalled that last October, the DOH has placed Barangay Caranglaan in Dagupan City as a measles ‘cluster’, after a suspected outbreak in the area after the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) confirmed the presence of measles, based on specimen gathered from a ten-month-old baby. (Ahikam Pasion)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments