The Department of Health on Friday urged the public to get children under 2 years old vaccinated against measles-rubella after recording a rise in cases in the first two months of the year.
In a report, the DOH said a total of 922 measles-rubella cases have been recorded from Jan. 1 to March 1 this year, up by 35 percent from 683 cases logged in the same period in 2024.
From Feb. 2 to March 1, an increase in cases was observed in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, Bicol, Western Visayas and Soccsksargen.
About 625 or 68 percent of the total cases are not vaccinated against the disease, the DOH noted.
Measles could lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain infection, and death, especially among children under five years old when not treated.
A child with measles may infect up to 16 children, the DOH said.
Besides vaccination, the DOH also urged the public to observe good hygiene (proper and regular handwashing, covering coughs, and wearing facemasks), and keep the environment clean to prevent the spread of the disease.