MEASLES: DOH Reveals Extent Of Risk In Case A Child Acquires It

What is the extent of risk that measles can pose on a child? DOH Reveals

MEASLES – The Department of Health (DOH) revealed the extent of risk that measles can pose in case a child acquires it.

Currently, there is an increasing and an alarming number of cases of measles in the Philippines. Hundreds of Filipino people are currently being treated due to the said infection.

The said infection is viral and can easily be transmitted most especially if the person has not taken any immunization. It may appear as a rash only but it can lead to several complications.

Due to the increasing number of cases of people suffering from it, the DOH has declared several areas under measles outbreak. The announcement covers Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol Region.

DOH
Photo Courtesy of Philippine News Agency

Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, San Lazaro, Manila Hospital spokesman Dr. Ferdinand de Guzman expressed that most of their patients suffering from measles are those who have not taken any immunization.

The DOH assured that there is an enough supply of the vaccines and they are even buying more.

Based on a recent social media post on the Facebook page Bombo Radyo Iloilo, measles can pose great risk most especially if the one suffering from it is a child. Dr. Mary Jane Juanico revealed the extend of the risk.

Dr. Juanico is the medical coordinator of the Expanded Program on Immunization according to the post. Speaking to the source, she revealed that it is dangerous for children as it can lead to death.

According to Dr. Juanico, the initial symptoms can be fever with colds and cough. It can cause further complications such as pneumonia which can also put the life of the child at risk.

Measles DOH
Photo: DOH

Based on the social media post, Dr. Juanico expressed that, to avoid measles, the surroundings should always be kept clean and the ones suffering from it should always cover his or her mouth whenever he or she coughs.

The Expanded Program on Immunization medical coordinator also stressed that it is really necessary that children get vaccines against the said infection.

The records of the DOH showed that the number of children who got immunized under the programs of the health department decreased from 67% in 2017 to 61% in 2018.

According to the post, a lot of parents are having second thoughts on getting their children vaccinated due to the controversial issue about the Dengvaxia vaccine.

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