The Department of Health (DOH) officially declares the deactivation of Code Blue Alert at its central office due to the continuous decrease in pertussis (Filipino: Tusperina/Ubong Dalahit) and measles (Filipino: Tigdas) cases since the onset of the intensified vaccination efforts spearheaded by the DOH and the local government units nationwide. Code Blue Alert was raised at the DOH central office and a Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) was established at national level to immediately bring down the cases of pertussis and measles.
Pertussis cases from May 12 to May 25, 2024, have dropped by 38% compared to the cases two weeks prior. Similarly, the number of reported measles-rubella cases has shown signs of plateauing, with cases from May 12 to May 25, 2024, being 37% lower than those from April 28 to May 11, 2024. This is a far cry from the number of cases logged when the Code Blue Alert was raised last March 20, which signaled intensified activities to mitigate the spread of the virus through vaccination, micronutrient supplementation, community engagement, and risk communication.
Recent data, spanning from January 1 to June 8, 2024, highlights a continuous decrease in pertussis cases. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reported measles-rubella cases are stabilizing, with cases from May 12 to May 25, 2024, being 58% lower than those from April 28 to May 11, 2024. Moreover, the conduct of the Measles Outbreak Response Immunization (MORI) in the BARMM, is a resounding success vaccinating a total of 1,203,497 individuals or 87.9% of the eligible population.
The DOH expresses its gratitude to all the Local Government Units, particularly the BARRM Ministry of Health, for their efforts in combating pertussis and measles cases nationwide. Through focused vaccination campaigns and community engagements, the DOH reached a major public health milestone, enabling the deactivation of the Code Blue alert.
“We also like to thank Incident Manager, Undersecretary Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr. and Deputy Incident Manager, Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Gloria J. Balboa, for their outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication during this period. Their efforts have not only effectively curtailed the spread of pertussis and measles but have also fortified the public health infrastructure, ensuring a safer and healthier community for everyone. This marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to Filipino health. Magaling ang mga Moro sa MORI o Measles Outbreak Response Immunization. Dahil dyan, ang Batang Bangsamoro, magiging Malusog,” expressed Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa. (ANTONIO)
