Measles in Aklan on ‘alarming’ level

 Cases of measles in Aklan have reached an “alarming” level, health officials said.

Latest data showed 51 confirmed cases of measles in the province, said Dr. Cornelio Cuatchon of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

He said the Department of Health is still validating at least 139 more cases.

The number of cases continues to grow, according to Cuatchon.

“We are doing everything we can to prevent measles from further spreading,” he said.

Some residents in Brgy. Caticlan, Malay town, were reportedly infected by the disease.

At least two confirmed cases are in the said municipality, a PHO report showed.

Health officials in the province are now on “high alert” due to the continuous spread of the disease.

The Health department is expected to start a massive anti-measles vaccination in public schools in Malay this week.

The Philippine Red Cross has also started its own vaccination program in Malay including this island resort.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Malay is still studying the possibility of placing the town under a state of calamity.

“Currently, the council has no plans for such declaration,” said SB member Rowen Aguirre.

Weeks ago, the capital town of Kalibo was placed under a state of calamity after 15 cases of measles were confirmed there.