As the Department of Health (DOH) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) recorded a 967 percent increase in suspected measles cases, 4 patients were reported dead due to this disease.
From a very low 88 cases reported last year, the DOH regional office recorded a high of 939 cases from start of this year to August 10, 2019.
Karen Lonogan, DOH-CAR Senior Health Officer, said Benguet recorded the highest cases at 384, seconded by Baguio city at 333.
The rise in cases was seen during the first quarter of 2019, which is the height of the nationwide outbreak, but has now tapered off owing to the close monitoring efforts that have been undertaken.
While some municipalities surpassed their dengue epidemic threshold based on the DOH data, the total region has remained to be below the threshold point.
The health officer said they “continue to guard and monitor the cases of dengue in the region like in the provinces of Abra, Apayao and some parts of Benguet which have exceeded the epidemic threshold.” (Jojo Mangahis)