Measles and polio cases decline during pandemic, according to the Department of Health.
MANILA, Philippines – A health official said Tuesday that cases of measles, polio, and other vaccine-preventable diseases have decreased during the pandemic, most likely as a result of nationwide adherence to minimum public health standards.
“Kapag ikukumpara ng previous years sa pandemiya, malaki ang binaba ng mga sakit na ito. If we compare previous years, pre-pandemic, the numbers of these diseases decreased significantly), we only have a cumulative total of 26 measles cases from January to March 5 of this year,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during an online media forum.
Regarding polio, approximately 75 cases were reported during the same time period.
“This is not polio; this is acute flaccid paralysis; kailangan pa natin ikumpirma kung polio talaga ‘yan,” Vergeire explained.
Vergeire explained that as individuals adhere to minimum public health standards since the pandemic began, cases of various infectious diseases have decreased.
“We know that measles is spread through the air, and we also know that other diseases such as polio and nakukuha sa tubig sa ating (can be contracted through our) hygienic practices,” she explained. “And we all know that everyone washes their hands, laging nag-a-alcohol, so nakakabawas po ‘yan (always using alcohol, thereby reducing the possibility of infection)”.
On the other hand, it is possible that cases of measles, polio, and other vaccine-preventable diseases were underreported because healthcare workers were focused on the Covid-19 response and people lost access to non-Covid health services.
Vergeire stated that vaccination coverage for vaccine-preventable diseases is low and that routine immunization rates declined nationwide during the pandemic.
“Meron po tayong parating na catch-up vaccination and supplemental immunization that will begin in April ito ay magtutuloy-tuloy hanggang Hunyo para maabot natin, para tumaas ang ating antas ng pagbabakuna, maprevent po natin ang mga (We have an upcoming catch-up vaccination and supplemental immunization that
Dr. Edsel Salvana, an infectious diseases expert, noted in the same media forum that missed vaccinations can result in outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of catching up on children’s immunization.
Salvana advised parents to take their children to pediatricians for vaccination catch-up.
“That does not begin from scratch; kahit ma-delay, okay lang, basta mahabol (even if it is delayed, it is acceptable; simply catch up),” he explained.
Save/Share this story with QR CODE
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any specific technologies or methodologies and financial advice or endorsement of any specific products or services.
📩 Need to get in touch? Feel free to Email Us for comments, suggestions, reviews, or anything else.
We appreciate your reading. 😊Simple Ways To Say Thanks & Support Us:
1.) ❤️GIVE A TIP. Send a small donation thru Paypal😊❤️
Your DONATION will be used to fund and maintain NEXTGENDAY.com
Subscribers in the Philippines can make donations to mobile number 0917 906 3081, thru GCash.
3.) 🛒 BUY or SIGN UP to our AFFILIATE PARTNERS.
4.) 👍 Give this news article a THUMBS UP, and Leave a Comment (at Least Five Words).
AFFILIATE PARTNERS
World Class Nutritional Supplements - Buy Highest Quality Products, Purest Most Healthy Ingredients, Direct to your Door! Up to 90% OFF.
Join LiveGood Today - A company created to satisfy the world's most demanding leaders and entrepreneurs, with the best compensation plan today.
About Author
During the PRRD visit, the gains made by the Reg’l ELCAC in Caraga are highlighted.
MANILA, Philippines — The significant accomplishments made by the Regional […]
DOT: Puerto Galera is still accessible to visitors.
One of Mindoro’s most popular tourist spots, Puerto Galera, is […]
PH praised as the top dive and beach destination in the world
At the recent 29th World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala […]
The Comelec is preparing to organize special elections for the Remulla position.
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Monday […]
The Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech has been approved by the FDA for children aged 5 to 11.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech […]
The first day of special vaccination week saw almost 66K booster doses administered.
On the first day of the Special Vaccination Week, the […]