Measles outbreak declared in Davao City

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Feb 26 2014 06:59 PM | Updated as of Feb 27 2014 02:59 AM

DAVAO CITY -- The Davao City Health Office has declared a measles outbreak in the city after 230 new cases were recorded within 3 months.

An 8-month-old baby from Brgy. Tamayong died from the disease on Tuesday. It was reported that the infant was only brought to the hospital 7 days after symptoms appeared.

According to Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, Davao City Health Officer, they already consider it as an outbreak since a single case can affect 18 more people.

She added that they have intensified the campaign against measles by implementing a house-to-house immunization.

The city health office is also giving the vaccine to all children below 5 years old, instead of just giving it to those below 1 year old.

Parents were also reminded to immediately bring their children to a doctor as soon as they notice symptoms of measles.

The city's measles elimination program has been ongoing for four years. -- report from Hernel Tocmo, ABS-CBN News Southern Mindanao