The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring a rise in measles cases in evacuation centers following Typhoons Tino and Uwan. From January to November 2025, the country recorded 4,718 measles-rubella cases—a 37% increase from 3,434 cases in 2024.
Of the 2025 cases, 118 were rubella or German measles. “Mahigit doble ang itinaas [ng kaso sa taon na ito] mula sa 53 na kaso noong nakaraang taon,” the DOH said.
Most cases (73%) involved unvaccinated children aged five and below. While vaccine supply is sufficient, the DOH has procured an additional 2 million measles-rubella doses to prepare for infections amid the typhoon season.
Earlier in March, the agency reported over 900 cases in just the first three months of the year. The rise is mostly concentrated in NCR, CAR, Ilocos, Bicol, Western Visayas, and SOCCSKSARGEN.
Measles, a highly contagious disease, spreads through coughing and sneezing and can infect up to 16 individuals. Untreated, it can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain infections, or death, especially in children under five.
The DOH urges the public to watch for symptoms such as fever, rashes, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.