Measles, rubella cases in Caraga decline; DOH urges mothers to vaccinate children
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health–Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga confirmed during the Kapihan sa PIA on January 14 that their vaccination campaign against measles and rubella has been effective, resulting in a decrease in the number of cases of these diseases in the region.
According to Doctor Amethyst Kathleen G. Alicante, medical officer IV of DOH-CHD Caraga, there were 129 recorded cases of measles and rubella in 2024. However, this went down to 98 cases in 2025. “This decrease in cases is considered a result of the department’s successful immunization campaign, including the continued strengthening of health information and services in communities with the help of the local and barangay health workers.”
However, she disclosed that there are cities and provinces in the Caraga region that have significant increases in the number of cases. “Based on regional data, there are cities and provinces that recorded a significant increase in measles and rubella cases, which is why the vaccination campaign still needs to be intensified,” said Doctor Alicante.
“Surigao del Sur recorded a 240 percent increase, followed by Cabadbaran City with 67 percent, Agusan del Sur with 27 percent, and Tandag City with a 25 percent increase in measles and rubella cases,” she added. “Because of this, DOH-CHD Caraga is urging all parents with children aged 6 to 59 months to have their children vaccinated during the Supplemental Immunization Activity (SIA) in their barangays, to prevent infection and possible severe complications brought by measles and rubella.”
“Our parents should not be afraid because we have trained nurses and doctors who administer the vaccines. Our vaccines are proven and tested; these are the same vaccines we have been giving for 50 years,” assured Alicante.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released that both measles and rubella are contagious diseases that occur most often in children and young adults. Measles remains an important cause of death among young children globally. While rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
