DOH reports significant rise in measles cases among unvaccinated children

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a notable surge in measles-rubella cases in the Philippines, with a total of 922 cases recorded from January 1 to March 1, 2025.

This marks a 35% increase compared to the same period last year with 683 cases reported.

The rise in cases has been particularly alarming in several regions, including the National Capital Region, CAR, Ilocos, Bicol, Western Visayas, and SOCCSKSARGEN.

Among the reported cases, 625 or 68% were of children who were either unvaccinated or had not completed their measles vaccination regimen.

Measles, a highly contagious disease, spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. According to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, “Ang isang batang may tigdas ay pwedeng makahawa sa labing-anim na iba pang mga bata. Kaya mahalagang mapigilan natin ang pagkalat ng sakit na ito.”

(A child with measles can infect up to 16 other children. That’s why it is crucial to stop the spread of this disease.)

If left untreated, measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain infections, and even death, particularly among children under five years of age. However, these complications can be prevented if children are vaccinated against measles.

“Itong mga sakit na ito ay napipigilan ng bakuna gaya ng MMR vaccine. Magpabakuna po tayo sa pinakamalapit na health center,” Herbosa added.

(These diseases can be prevented with vaccines like the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. We urge parents to have their children vaccinated at the nearest health center.)

As part of the ongoing efforts to curb the measles outbreak, the DOH continues to conduct routine measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination for children aged 9-12 months at health centers nationwide. Additionally, a catch-up immunization drive will be held this March for children aged 13-59 months in selected regions, including Central Luzon, Calabarzon, SOCCSKSARGEN, and BARMM.

The catch-up immunization aims to vaccinate children who missed or have not completed their MMR doses. Completing two doses of the measles vaccine is critical, and the DOH encourages parents to coordinate with their local health centers to schedule their child’s vaccination.

The DOH also reminds the public to maintain proper personal and respiratory hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water, to prevent the spread of infections. Parents and guardians are advised to seek immediate medical consultation if their children exhibit symptoms of measles, which include high fever, body rashes, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News