The Department of Health said yesterday that it has recorded almost 7,000 measles cases nationwide.
The DoH-Epidemiology Bureau said that as of Feb. 13, there were 6,921 confirmed measles cases, including 115 deaths, across the country.
The National Capital Region still has the highest number of measles cases with 1,752, including 32 deaths.
It was followed by Calabarzon with 1,653 cases and 36 deaths; Central Luzon with 982 cases and 12 deaths; Northern Mindanao with 388 cases and four deaths; and Western Visayas with 383 cases and with three deaths.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III reminded parents yesterday to seek medical help if their children exhibit symptoms of measles to avoid complications.
“Wag hintayin grumabe, lumabha ang kondisyon ng anak. Pag may pamumula ng mata, lagnat, LBM, ubo, sipon, pananakit ng katawan, patingin na sa hospital,” said Duque as he visited Block 37 Health Center, Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.
President Duterte on Friday urged Filipinos to get vaccinated to avoid contracting measles.
“Mga kababayan, dumadami ang kaso ng tigdas at ang komplikasyon nito ay mamatay ka. Sa mga anak natin, bakuna lamang ang tanging paraan makaiwas sa sakit na ito. Maraming salamat,” the President said during a taped video message aired on State-run People’s Television Network. (Analou de Vera)