Patients have to share a single hospital bed as the number of children affected by measles increased, recent photos showed.

Dr. Susan Mercado, Deputy Secretary General of Red Cross' Centers for Health and Humanitarian Action, posted photos of the situation in San Lazaro Hospital in Manila.

In her caption, Mercado said two to three children share the same bed, some of them in the hospital corridors.

As of early Wednesday, Mercado said 237 patients from 20 different municipalities and cities were brought to San Lazaro Hospital for treatment.

Mercado also advised parents to immediately take their children to health centers if they have the 3Cs - cough, conjuctivitis (red eyes) and coryza (runny nose).

She also advised against waiting for rashes to appear before seeking medical help.

"Measles outbreak in Metro Manila: key messages -vaccinate children, bring children with 3Cs - cough, conjunctivitis (Red eye) and coryza (runny nose) for immediate check-up, don't wait for the rash, minimize interaction between sick and well kids. Take precautions. Use hand sanitizers, alcohol, masks," Mercado wrote in her caption.

The Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed outbreaks of measles in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in Central Luzon. The outbreak declaration has been expanded to Calabarzon, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas on Thursday.

• Measles outbreak declared in 3 more regions
• Measles outbreak declared in NCR, Central Luzon

Pediatricians are also urging parents to have their babies vaccinated against measles earlier than the recommended age.

• Amid measles outbreak, doctors tell parents to vaccinate babies at 6 months