Measles in Philippines

16 Apr 2018

Outbreak News Today quoting Philippines health authorities reports 4168 measles cases from 01 January to 26 March 2018. Of these cases, 723 were laboratory-confirmed with a total of 13 deaths. Most of the confirmed cases were in Davao (27.73%), ARMM (21.59%), Zamboanga Peninsula (14.32%), SOCCSKSARGEN (10.45%), and Northern Mindanao (10%) Regions.

Advice for Travellers

Travel may increase an individual’s risk of exposure to measles virus, and facilitate the spread of disease to unvaccinated and susceptible populations. Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least one month apart, are required to give adequate protection.

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-13 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 4 months. Unvaccinated adults who have not had measles themselves should seek advice from a healthcare professional regarding measles vaccination.

For further information see Measles.