Measles in the Philippines (Update)

10 Mar 2014

Measles is an ongoing problem in the Pilippines; two further outbreaks have been reported. In Cavite province of Luzon Island, 6 cities and 17 municipalities have been affected by measles. A total of 734 cases and 3 related deaths have been reported in the province, with the cities of Dasmarinas, Bacoor, Imus and General Trais and Siland reporting most cases.

In Davao city, on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines a measles outbreak is ongoing with a total of 300 suspected cases. Of those cases, 14 have been confirmed. Two measles related deaths have been reported.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.