MEASLES OUTBREAK: NO
MORE
The
Department of Health (DOH) declared measles 'outbreak' in NCR. From Jan. 1 to
Dec. 14 last year, the DOH registered a total of 1,724 laboratory-confirmed
measles cases nationwide, with 744 cases coming from Metro Manila, 21 of which
led to death.
The Health department said measles
outbreak were confirmed in Quiapo, Sampaloc, Tondo, Binondo, Santa Cruz, Port
Area, and Santa Mesa in Manila; Dagat-Dagatan and Bagong Barrio in Caloocan
City; Talon 5, Talon 2 and Pamplona Uno in Las Pinas City; Longos and Tonsuya
in Malabon City; Alabang and Putatan in Muntinlupa City; North Bay Boulevard
South in Navotas City; Moonwalk and Don Bosco in Paranaque City; Bagong Tanyag
in Taguig City and Ugong in Valenzuela City.
Measles is one of the most
contagious diseases among children. According to the DOH, measles is an
air-borne disease which can be spread quickly especially if you are near to
someone who is infected by the virus. The fatal disease is caused by paramyxovirus
that grows in cells at the throat and lungs.
Measles can be controlled or
prevented through vaccination. The government offers vaccination for free.
Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said that babies nine months old must be
given the first dose and those one-year-old and above must get their second
dose. It is quite frustrating that despite the massive campaign for the control
of measles, there are still areas in our country with alarming number of
victims of the deadly disease. Who is really responsible for the outbreak of
measles in the country?
The Philippine government is really
trying to protect the health of the Filipino people by extending free
immunization/vaccination to children. Based from my “Under Five Clinic Growth
Chart” which was given by DOH through our Barangay Health Clinic, the Health
department had given me shots in BCG, Hepatitis B, DPT, Polio and Measles. The
immunizations were free of charge and were conducted by local health workers in
our barangay. I accept the fact that our place is a far-flung area in Nueva
Vizcaya, but the services of DOH are being rendered there. What happened in the
metros with numerous victims of measles? Are the people not aware of the
services given by the health department?
At this point in time,
advertisements in media particularly in television have already been aired for
immediate and faster dissemination about measles vaccine. However, many people
in the cities are busy with their work for they don’t have time to watch the
television. The ads remain futile. The campaign is not quite effective for that
reason. Perhaps some parents failed to bring their children for their
vaccination shots. If this is the case, the government must have an urgent
contingency plan in order to eradicate measles attack in the country. The
children are being seriously affected by the deadly disease, so doable and
effective solutions must be employed in no time. The future of the nation is at
stake if the young generations are not healthy.
According to ASec Tayag, the symptoms
of measles are redness of the eyes, coughs and colds, fever reaching 40 degrees
Celsius, and rashes on the ears, face, neck and the whole body. It is a fact
that children or babies are being infected by the virus, but since it is
air-borne then everyone is susceptible and potential victim if not immunized by
measles vaccine. If a pregnant person is being attacked by measles, this can be
a cause of miscarriage. Measles is really fatal, so the government should aim
for “zero” victim in the future. How does the Health department attain “zero
victim” in the country?
One of the best solutions in order
to control or eradicate measles is to bring the services of DOH to the
households. Aside from the flyers or ads, a health representative will make a
survey on the number of children who are not immunized not only in measles but
also BCG, Hepatitis B, DPT, Polio and others. This should be done in every
barangay to ensure 100% immunization. The local barangay health worker makes an
appointment to the parents for the immunization of their children, a
door-to-door immunization.
The DOH should make the immunization
“mandatory” to all children. No one is exempted for that noble purpose. Once
the Local Civil Registrar issues the birth certificate of the newly born baby,
the Health department will also issue a Health Card or MediCard to remind the
parents about the immunizations offered by the agency. After which, the DOH
will monitor if that baby is brought to the barangay health center for
immunization. This will perhaps diminish if not totally eradicate the cases of
measles victims in the country.
The crusade of the DOH against
measles or any infectious disease is highly appreciated. Enough funds should be
given to the agency in order to protect the health of the manpower of the
country. Everyone should also cooperate in order to control or eradicate the
contagious diseases. Parents are encouraged to avail the vaccinations and other
health services offered by the Health department for their children and for
them.
Measles outbreak: no more!
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