Measles infection in Normin growing

TheMonitorMindanaoToday.com | Measles infection in Normin growing 

By: Uriel Quilinguing

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Health in Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) has recorded 411 cases of measles infections last year, roughly 11-percent increase over the 371 cases in 2024, and about 74 percent of them were unvaccinated.

Thus, to avert an outbreak of this highly infectious viral disease this year, DOH-10 through the local government’s health offices will deploy teams to administer vaccines to children aged six to 59 months old, Medical Officer III Germaine Labadan said on Tuesday, January 6, in a local radio interview.

Labadan, who heads the DOH-10 Family Health Cluster, said the Measles-Rubella Special Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), which would give out vaccine and Vitamin A supplements for free, will last for 21 days, starting on January 19 until February 13.

“This is open to all eligible population, regardless of the immunization status of the child because the vaccine serves as booster,” she explained and that this includes those who have completed the first and second doses. “Parents my present the immunization booklet, but it is not necessary because all will be given a new one,” she added.

Nurse Giovanni Dael, a health education and promotion officer of the City Health Office here, said they have already trained those who will be deployed in city’s 55 Barangay Health Centers for the 21-day long MR-SIA. At the village level, they will have the assistance of the barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars.

The MR-SIA in Cagayan de Oro will be launched at the multipurpose covered court of Barangay Macasandig on January 19.

MEASLES INCIDENCE

Last year, the DOH-10’s Research, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Emergency Response Unit (RESDRU) tallied 23 cases of measles in Cagayan de Oro which was a negative 58-percent reduction from 55 patients in 2024—the highest improvement among highly urbanized cities and provinces in Northern Mindanao.

Lanao del Norte, however, posted the highest percentage increase in the number of measles infection at 51 percent, from 196 in 2024 the cases went up to 295 last year, RESDRU records show. Measles was prevalent in 10 municipalities, with Sultan Naga Dimaporo posting 25 infections.

This year, the DOH-10 estimated an eligible population of 524,267 children aged six to 59 months old and, if at least 95-percent coverage is achieved, reduction on the number of measles cases this year is possible, Labadan said. Each vaccination team is expected to immunize at least 80 children every day.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASE

Measles is highly contagious disease because it can easily spread through breathing, coughing and sneezing, the DOH-10 Family Health Cluster head said. It primarily affects the respiratory tract and can quickly spread throughout the body, with symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose and a widespread rash.

While most common in children, measles can affect anyone and is best prevented through vaccination. Complications from measles can include blindness, encephalitis (a brain infection), diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia and other breathing problems. In severe cases, it can even be fatal.

Children who are malnourished are at the highest risk, as their weakened immune systems are less capable of fighting off viruses.

According to UNICEF, the Philippines has a high child mortality rate, with 26 out of every 1,000 live births expected to die before reaching five years old.

Infants and toddlers aged 0 to 12 months are recommended to receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine— the first at nine months, and the second at 12 months.

International health groups also said that the most effective way to prevent further disease spread is through investment in the safety, effectiveness and affordability of vaccines, alongside early warning systems and support for healthcare workers. (Uriel Quilinguing)

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