ILOILO — Health authorities are stepping up vaccination efforts for infants across Iloilo Province as they brace for a possible rise in measles cases despite a significant drop in infections this year.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is urging parents of children aged 12 months and below to ensure their babies receive complete immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), particularly measles, amid lingering transmission risks and fears of a resurgence.
IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon emphasized that measles vaccination must begin early, with the first dose administered at nine months and the second dose at 12 months.
She stressed that children who fail to complete the full set of vaccines — including those for tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and measles — cannot be considered fully immunized.
Vaccines are available for free at Rural Health Units (RHUs), with health officials urging parents and guardians to bring their children for routine immunization.
The intensified campaign comes as the province recorded 25 suspected measles cases from Jan. 4 to April 4, 2026 — down by 57 percent from 58 cases during the same period last year. Of these, three cases have been confirmed, with two in New Lucena and one in Tubungan.
Despite the decline, Quiñon warned that the province is anticipating a possible uptick in cases, prompting preparations for a school-based measles-rubella immunization campaign tentatively scheduled in August.
The IPHO is also expecting additional vaccine supplies from the Department of Health (DOH) to support the expanded immunization efforts.
Quiñon reminded the public that measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract and spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Patients may develop high fever of up to 40°C, along with symptoms such as maculopapular rash and the “3 Cs” — coryza, cough, and conjunctivitis.
She warned that unvaccinated individuals face a higher risk of infection and complications, which may include ear infections, pneumonia, meningitis, encephalitis, blindness, and even death.
Cases this year were recorded in the following areas: Pavia (six), Santa Barbara (five), Cabatuan (three), New Lucena (two), Tubungan (two), and one case each in Barotac Nuevo, Batad, Concepcion, Igbaras, Miag-ao, San Enrique, and Zarraga./PN
