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DOH declares measles outbreaks in 5 Metro Manila cities


(Updated 2:10 p.m., Jan. 6) The Department of Health declared measles outbreaks in five cities in Metro Manila Saturday as the number of patients infected by the viral disease continues to rise.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said an outbreak is the occurrence of cases of disease in excess of what would normally be expected in a defined community, geographical area or season.

It said an outbreak may occur in a restricted geographical area, or may extend over several countries. It may also last for a few days or weeks, or for several years.
 
The cities where outbreaks have been declared are:
 
Caloocan
  • Dagat-dagatan
  • Bagong Barrio
 
Las Piñas
  • Talon Singko
  • Talon Dos
 
Manila
  • Quiapo
  • Port Area
  • Sta. Mesa
  • Binondo
  • Sta. Cruz
 
Muntinlupa
  • Alabang
 
Parañaque
 
According to a report aired on “Balitanghali” Saturday, the DOH has recorded 744 confirmed cases of measles in Metro Manila alone between January 1 to December 14, 2013. A total of 1,724 measles cases, meanwhile, have been reported across the country, 21 of which led to death.
 
 
In posts on his Twitter account, National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Enrique Tayag appealed to parents Thursday to bring their children to health centers for free vaccination.
 
Measles vaccination is free in health centers nationwide, he said.
 
Last December, DOH said local health officials started to seek vulnerable children aged 0 to 59 months in their areas to vaccinate them against the disease.
 
Although measles is a viral disease that commonly infects children, Tayag said it can also affect adults because it is highly contagious. 
 
The symptoms of measles are redness of the eyes, coughs and colds, fever reaching 40 degrees Celsius, and rashes on the ears, face, neck, and the whole body.

Tayag said the patient may also have difficulty in breathing.

In a text message to GMA News Online on Sunday, Tayag clarified that “outbreaks and epidemics are one and the same thing. They occur when more than the usual number of expected cases occur in a particular area. For measles, outbreaks or epidemics occur when many susceptible persons get sick.”

“One is susceptible if you were unvaccinated and you have not had measles before,” he added.

Earlier on Sunday, Tayag also said the Health Department will seek the help of health officers and civil society in stepping up its efforts against measles.

He said DOH officials will meet with local officials on Monday. — Xianne Arcangel, Patricia Denise Chiu/JDS/LBG/KBK, GMA News
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