Concern over the impact of the measles epidemic on OFW, tourism

Concern over the impact of the measles epidemic on OFW, tourism

MANILA, Philippines – As the number of measles cases continues to increase, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday expressed concerns about its potential impact on tourism and the deployment of workers to the country. 39; abroad.

Under Secretary of Health Eric Domingo said that more than 800 other cases of measles had been recorded within two days.

"It's increasing again. According to our February 16 report, we now have 9,267 cases of measles, "Domingo said.

He added that the number of measles victims has increased from 136 to 146.

Domingo reported that 824 new cases were reported, bringing to 9,267 the total number of measles cases from January 1 to February 18 of this year.

Data from the DOH showed that 8 443 measles cases, with 136 deaths, were recorded from 1 January to 16 February.

There were only 2,534 cases of measles during the same period last year.

Regions with reported measles outbreaks had the highest number of cases. These are Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) with 2,310 cases; National Capital Region, 1,937 cases and Central Luzon with 1,387 cases.

Domingo said he is concerned about the possible effects of the measles outbreak on tourism and the deployment of Filipino overseas workers (OFW).

"If we do not manage to control the epidemic, you will not be able to prevent other countries from giving travel notices to their nationals so that they do not go to the Philippines because of the disease." Measles epidemic, "he said.

He added that OFWs may "not travel to other countries or be subject to additional requirements", such as vaccination.

Domingo said Hong Kong, who was not affected by measles, inquired about the situation in the Philippines, apparently because of intense traffic between the two localities.

"Hong Kong has been declared free from measles. They expressed their concern about the measles epidemic here. Many Filipinos go to Hong Kong, "he said.

Domingo assured the public that the measles epidemic will be under control soon, with the Department of Health strengthening its immunization program for children aged 6 to 59 months.

"Measles vaccines are now almost exclusively for children. We are intensifying vaccination in all regions because we do not want measles to spread further, "he said.

The DOH aims to vaccinate 12 to 14 million children, including 2.4 million infants aged 6 to 59 months; seven to eight million schoolchildren and preschool children and 2.6 million adults.

Domingo said that if they reached the 95% vaccination coverage rate, "collective immunity" would be achieved, which means that even unvaccinated people are protected.

In addition to the larger-scale vaccination program, the Department of Health also asked the Quarantine Bureau to establish health offices at airports to provide medical services to departing travelers.

"People should be required to be checked before leaving the country. Because if other countries have this bad experience, this could have repercussions, "Domingo said.

The Archbishop of Caceres, Rolando Tria Tirona, urged non-governmental organizations and religious groups to collaborate with the DOH in the eradication of measles, especially in Bicol.

Tirona also called on parents to bring their children to public health centers to receive free measles vaccines.

"We are saddened by the reported child deaths, mostly from poor families and communities," said the Archbishop.

Ernie Vera, head of DOH Bicol, said he recorded 53 cases of measles from 1 January to 2 February.

Sorsogon recorded the highest number with 21 cases, followed by Masbate with 12; Camarines Sur, 12 years old; Albay, 5 years and Norte Camarines with 3. No cases of measles have been reported in Catanduanes.