DOH Reports Alarming Increase in Measles and Rubella Cases in Central Luzon
On Friday, the Department of Health (DOH) announced a significant rise in measles and rubella cases in Central Luzon, with figures spanning from the start of the year to October 7, 2023.
According to the DOH’s latest surveillance data, there have been 1,823 reported cases (1,731 of measles and 92 of rubella) nationwide over the past nine months.
This marks a 269-percent surge compared to the 494 cases reported during the same timeframe in 2022.
Central Luzon, in particular, has seen a 538-percent escalation in cases, affecting the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.
Other regions experiencing significant increases include the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with a 3,992-percent rise; the Cordillera Administrative Region with 950 percent; the combined areas of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City with 608 percent; Caraga with 305 percent; and the Western Visayas provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental with a 225-percent increase.
In response to the outbreak, the DOH is intensifying its efforts to combat these diseases through the “Chikiting Ligtas” immunization campaign, targeting measles and rubella.