The Makati Health Department (MHD) has deployed a team of doctors, nurses, and barangay health workers to conduct door-to-door visits for measles vaccination.

City Health Officer Dr. Ma. Lourdes B. Salud said that they have prioritized areas in Makati where there have been reported cases of measles. Blood samples have been extracted from the patients and delivered to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for further testing and confirmation.

However, among the 25 cases reported, only one has been confirmed: A three-year-old girl who has not been vaccinated since she was born. The young girl has now recovered.

“We are on active surveillance mode, but we are also appealing to all parents to immediately bring their children to the nearest health center or hospital the moment they show measles-like symptoms, including high fever,” said Salud.

The city of Makati has been active in the fight against measles, especially with the annual “Ligtas Tigdas” campaign of the Department of Health (DoH). Tens of thousands of children are vaccinated each year, and MHD records indicate a consistent improvement: From 109 cases in 2003, it went down to 38 in 2004, 22 in 2005, three in 2006, zero in 2007, two in 2008, and four in 2009.

“Based on city health records, we are getting closer to our goal of eradicating measles, and we are confident that through intensified immunization drive and strict monitoring, we will be able to prevent the disease from spreading in Makati on a larger scale,” said Salud.