Measles outbreak declared in Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao Del Norte, Sulu

A measles outbreak has been declared in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Sulu, according to a report on "Saksi."

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the total number of measles cases in the country since September 2023 has reached 2,600.

More than 1,400 cases were recorded in BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).

Measles, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death.

Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children.

Measles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash all over the body.

The DOH has also declared a Blue Alert and vaccinations will start for children starting with those aged 6 months.

The public is also reminded that measles vaccines are free. — BAP, GMA Integrated News