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More than 16,000 reported measles cases nationwide — DOH


The number of reported measles cases in the country has reached 16,349, the Department of Health said Monday.

“Binabantayan pa rin natin at tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ating pagbabakuna,” Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo told GMA News.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be fatal—especially for small children—but is preventable through vaccination.

The World Health Organization reported that the Philippines was one of three countries last year that saw the largest year-on-year rise in measles cases.

Domingo stressed that the best way to avoid measles is to be vaccinated.

"Ang problema kasi sa tigdas, talagang sa lahat ng sakit, isa siya sa pinakamadaling mahawa ang isang tao. Kasi sa simpleng ubo lang niya o kaya sa sipon, o kaya 'yung paghatsing niya, pag napunta siya sa hangin tapos nalanghap natin ito, madali tayong mahawa. Or yung kagamitan. Halimbawa, yung mga body fluids, nahawakan natin tapos nahawakan natin ang mata natin o ilong natin, very easily transmissible siya," he said.

As of end February, more than one million people have already been vaccinated against measles.

Domingo also advised frequent handwashing with soap and water. Proper hygiene is important in hampering the spread of the disease. — BM, GMA News

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