The Provincial Health Office through the Rural Health Units continues to immunize children in the province ages 6 months and above.

As of today (April 5, 2019), there are already 2,414 children in the province who are given anti-measles vaccines under the Project Baby Come Back to Bakuna. For 6-8 month-old there are already 526 children vaccinated, 947 for 9-59 months, 666 5-12 years old (school-based), and 275 above 12 years old.

According to National Immunization Program Coordinator Ma. Lourdes Briosos, the Project Baby Come Back to Bakuna will end on April 12, 2019, however the regular immunization will still continue. Children ages 9-59 months who have not yet received the anti-measles vaccine may visit their respective RHUs for immunization said Briosos.

As of April 3, 2019, there are 24 suspected cases of measles in the province. The reported cases came from the municipalities of Bangued (10), Dolores (4), La Paz (1), Lagangilang (1), Manabo (2), Pidigan (1), San Juan (1), and Tayum (1).

There are already 6 confirmed cases of measles, 5 measles-Rubella Compatible, and 2 were classified as non-measles. The patients were treated and conditions improved. There are no reported deaths.

Bernal said ages of individuals affected range from 5 months to 31 years old.

According to Bernal, immunization of 6-month-old infants is the best prevention for measles as well as Vitamin A supplementation.

Among the symptoms of measles are fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflamed eyes. For proper treatment, visit the nearest health center in your area.