The Department of Health has warned of the possible increase in the number of measles cases, apart from skin problems, during the dry season or what is considered summer in the country which starts in March.
According to DoH Secretary Janette Garin, while the agency has conducted some form of supplemental immunization program, measles may be experienced by some people in certain areas.
“Of course, we’re hoping that this will not happen because we have already conducted immunization in some areas. But still there is a need to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures,” she stressed.
She called on the public to be more cautious and aware of the importance of vaccinating children against measles.
The health chief said measles is spread through the air.
She said the most vulnerable to the disease are children, pregnant women, and those with weak immune system who are exposed to measles’ victims.
To reduce the risk of spreading the disease, a herd immunity must be achieved through the government immunization program to fight measles both at the community level and in schools through school-based immunization.
Garin explained that by having herd immunity, the most vulnerable ones like children and pregnant women will somehow be protected.
She reminded that German measles among pregnant women can cause some birth defects.
If someone in the house has measles, the patient is advised to stay there at least four days from the date that he or she first developed the measles rash so he/she can help in reducing the risk of spreading it to others.
This disease is often mild with half of the people having it not realizing that they are sick.
Rashes may start around two weeks after exposure and last for three days. The skin disorder starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
The rash is not as bright as that of measles and is sometimes itchy.
Rubella is usually spread through the air via coughs of people who are infected.
People are infectious during the week before and after the appearance of the rash.
The most serious complication from rubella infection is the harm it can cause to a pregnant woman’s unborn baby.
If an unvaccinated pregnant woman gets infected with rubella virus, she can have a miscarriage, or her baby can die just after birth.
Also, the woman can pass the virus to her unborn baby who can develop serious birth defects such as heart problems, loss of hearing and eyesight, intellectual disability, and liver or spleen damage.
Serious birth defects are more common if a woman is infected early in her pregnancy.