MANILA- Cases of measles have risen in Calabarzon, making it the region with the most number of patients being treated for the infectious disease.
Data from the Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau show that the Southern Tagalog mainland has recorded 38 deaths and 1,875 cases of measles as of Feb. 17.
This is 34 cases higher than Metro Manila's 1,841 measles cases and 32 deaths recorded.
The province of Rizal has the most number of measles cases followed by Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, and Quezon.
In nearly two months, the country has seen more than 8,000 cases of measles with 136 deaths.
Majority of the fatalities had no immunization for measles.
The health department earlier declared an outbreak of measles in Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas.
Measles, caused by a virus that infects the respiratory tract, can be passed through direct contact and through the air. Its complications include severe diarrhea, pneumonia, blindness, and even death, according to the Department of Health.
Symptoms of measles include fever, reddening of the eyes, cough and colds, and red rashes, the agency added.
Unvaccinated children aged 5 and below are at highest risk of the disease, Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo earlier said. Measles vaccine is usually given to children aged 6 months and above, and parents of those younger must be extra cautious.
Free vaccine against measles is available in government hospitals and health centers.
-report from Raphael Bosano, ABS-CBN News