The Department of Health (DoH) noted a 35 percent increase in measles-rubella cases from 1 January to 1 March, recording 922 cases.

This is a 35 percent jump compared to the 683 cases recorded in 2024. From 2 February to 1 March, a continuous rise was recorded in several regions including the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Bicol Region, Western Visayas and Soccsksargen.

Of these, 625 or 68 percent of the reported cases have not been vaccinated or have not received a complete measles vaccine.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa warned that measles is a highly contagious disease that can be spread through coughing and sneezing.

“A child with measles can infect 16 other children. That’s why we must prevent the spread of this disease,” Herbosa explained in Filipino.

If not treated promptly, measles can lead to serious conditions such as pneumonia, brain infection and death, especially in children under the age of five.

However, Herbosa emphasized that these complications can be prevented through measles vaccination for children.

“These diseases are preventable with vaccines like the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Let’s get vaccinated at the nearest health center,” he added.

The DoH chief said the MMR vaccination for children aged nine months to one year continues at health centers.

In addition, this March, catch-up immunization against measles will be held for children aged one to four years in selected regions, including Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Soccsksargen and the Bangsamoro Region.

During the catch-up immunization, children who have not yet received or completed their MMR vaccination will be vaccinated.

Herbosa reiterated the importance of completing both vaccinations against measles, so he encourages parents to contact the nearest health center for the inoculation schedule in their area.

The Health official also reminded the public to practice good personal and respiratory hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of the virus.

In case of symptoms such as high fever, body rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes, Herbosa advised them to immediately consult a doctor at the nearest health center.