DOH: Measles upsurge due to kids missing vaccination

The Department of Health (DOH) said the recent recent upsurge of measles cases in certain areas of the country was due to children missing crucial vaccinations at an early age. Babies aged 6 to 11 months should be administered their first vaccine shot. At 12 to 18 months, they should get vaccination a second time. Vaccination is free in health centers nationwide. The DOH said it recorded 1,724 cases nationwide from January 1 to December 14, 2013, with 43% or 744 cases recorded in Metro Manila alone. Of the 417 cases of measles recorded in the national capital region 2013, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said 88% didn’t have any history of vaccination. Measles is a viral, highly-contagious respiratory disease. Symptoms include high fever, red eyes, runny nose and cough. Rashes would appear throughout the body after two days.

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