LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office in Albay will pursue massive immunization drive this month to prevent infection and spread of measles despite notable decrease in suspected measles cases in Albay,
PHO Albay chief Nathaniel B. Rempillo bared that measles in Albay was on its peak last January 5-11 with 18 cases but have considerably decreased the following week with 10 cases. As of January 21, the PHO has recorded only 3 cases.
Rempillo said the health office will conduct mass immunization provincewide starting this February to lessen, if not totally eliminate this highly contagious disease.
"Regular mass immunization campaign is still the best alternative to wipe it out," he said.
Rempillo has earlier called for an orientation to be attended by chief nurse of all district hospitals in Albay on February 4, 2014 to iron out the conduct of the immunization activities.
The measures also respond tp the prodding of the Department of Health (DOH) to prioritize children aged 6 months to less than 3 years old, especially among localities with laboratory-confirmed cases of measles within this month to intensify and fast track active immunization drive to prevent infection and spread of diseases, particularly measles that has stricken mostly infants and children already.
This, following surveillance data from the National Epidemiology Center (NEC) show that most confirmed measles cases in 2013 were those aged 3 years old and below and the Department of Health has recommended prioritizing for Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) among those in the age group.
The DOH in Bicol has also reiterated appeal to parents to bring their children to health centers until Feb. 3 in line with measles catch-up vaccination campaign.
Measles has become very alarming since last year when hundreds of suspected cases and deaths were reported nationwide.
It is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus. The infection is spread by contact with droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. Sneezing and coughing can put contaminated droplets into the air. (MAL/PIO-PGA/PIA5/ALbay)
PHO Albay chief Nathaniel B. Rempillo bared that measles in Albay was on its peak last January 5-11 with 18 cases but have considerably decreased the following week with 10 cases. As of January 21, the PHO has recorded only 3 cases.
Rempillo said the health office will conduct mass immunization provincewide starting this February to lessen, if not totally eliminate this highly contagious disease.
"Regular mass immunization campaign is still the best alternative to wipe it out," he said.
Rempillo has earlier called for an orientation to be attended by chief nurse of all district hospitals in Albay on February 4, 2014 to iron out the conduct of the immunization activities.
The measures also respond tp the prodding of the Department of Health (DOH) to prioritize children aged 6 months to less than 3 years old, especially among localities with laboratory-confirmed cases of measles within this month to intensify and fast track active immunization drive to prevent infection and spread of diseases, particularly measles that has stricken mostly infants and children already.
This, following surveillance data from the National Epidemiology Center (NEC) show that most confirmed measles cases in 2013 were those aged 3 years old and below and the Department of Health has recommended prioritizing for Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) among those in the age group.
The DOH in Bicol has also reiterated appeal to parents to bring their children to health centers until Feb. 3 in line with measles catch-up vaccination campaign.
Measles has become very alarming since last year when hundreds of suspected cases and deaths were reported nationwide.
It is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus. The infection is spread by contact with droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. Sneezing and coughing can put contaminated droplets into the air. (MAL/PIO-PGA/PIA5/ALbay)
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