IMUS CITY, Cavite -- The recorded suspected measles cases in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, or collectively known as Calabarzon, have reached 2,494, with 61 reported deaths.
A report from the Department of Health's (DOH) Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) covering the period January 1 to February 19 this year indicated that Rizal province is in the top spot with 1,293 recorded cases --the highest number reported during the period, including 42 deaths.
A report from Glen Ramos, DOH Calabarzon Media Relations and Communications Unit (MRCU) head, also showed that Cavite followed with 360 cases and eight deaths; Laguna -346 cases with seven deaths; Batangas - 258 cases with three deaths; and Quezon -237 cases with one death.
The latest RESU report recorded the recent ‘suspected’ cases, subject to further verification from DOH, Ramos clarified.
The DOH Calabarzon office has formed a task force to implement key strategies on measles outbreak response, including surveillance, public awareness and education, vaccination and taking care of patients in health care facilities.
It has also established alliance with various government agencies and used public places, such as malls, supermarkets, food establishments and churches, to help augment its campaign strategies and control the spread of the measles virus. (PNA)
