Philippines’ health department has confirmed there are 169 measles cases reported in the National Capital Region (NCR) from January 1 to February 6, up by 550% compared to the same period last year.
“We are declaring an outbreak as cases have increased in the past weeks and to strengthen surveillance of new cases and alert mothers and caregivers to be more vigilant,” Philippine Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said in a statement.
Majority of those who were infected are children--248 are being treated for the disease in San Lazaro Hospital in Manila as of Tuesday morning.
According to health officials, millions more are at risk due to lack of immunisation.
Measles alert for travellers from Philippines
Last month, three measles cases were reported in NSW after infected residents returned from the Philippines. The alerts were issued for passengers of Qantas Flight QF20 Singapore Airlines Flight SQ231 and Cebu Pacific flight 5J41.
Another case was also reported in Perth after a resident who travelled home from Philippines aboard Singapore Airlines flight got infected.
Health authorities are alerting travellers and those suspecting they may have been exposed to watch out for symptoms.
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