THE Department of Health (DOH) said it had recorded 1,185 cases of measles-rubella (MR) cases in the country as of March 15, 2025, which is 27 percent higher than from the 930 cases recorded for the same period last year.
The National Capital Region tops the list with 295 cases, followed by Central Luzon that registered 150, and Calabarzon with 144 cases. As per the DOH, majority of those afflicted with MR were unvaccinated, totaling 802 cases or about 68 percent.
The DOH continues to monitor developments in the number of MR cases in the country and at the same time strives to intensify the campaign to have more Filipino children be vaccinated against this terrible disease.
“Sa lugar na maraming bata ang hindi bakunado ay mas mataas din ang dami ng kaso,” according to DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. “Mga magulang, halina po at pabakunahan ang inyong mga anak laban sa tigdas,” he added.
The DOH continues to do routine immunization in all regions of the country for kids 0-12 months old to protect them from different diseases, including MR. For this, the first dose for MR is given on the 9th month, while the second dose is administered on the 12th month of the child.
The agency also intensified its widespread catch-up immunization that is being implemented in some regions of the country. Catch-up immunization are for children aged 13-59 months and still haven’t completed routine immunization within the designated period. In cooperation with local government units, barangay health workers, and other sectors, the goal is to reach other children who have yet to be vaccinated.
The DOH is also encouraging parents and guardians to ensure that their children/wards are vaccinated to protect them from serious complications caused by MR. They are advised to head to the nearest health center for the schedule of vaccination. It added that vaccination is still the safest and most effective way to prevent MR and other diseases and its complications.