The Department of Health (DOH) recently declared an ‘outbreak’ of Measles in a number of districts in Metro Manila after recording 1,724 cases from January –December 2013. According to reports, the areas in Metro Manila that are now having measles outbreaks are Dagat-dagatan and Bagong Barrio in Caloocan City; Talong Singko, Talon Dos, and Pamplona 1 in Las Pinas; Longos and Tonsuya in Malabon; Quiapo, Sampaloc, Tondo, Sta. Cruz, Binondo, Sta. Mesa, and Port Area in Manila; Alabang and Putatan in Muntinlupa; North Bay Boulevard South in Navotas; Moonwalk and Don Bosco in Paranaque; Bagong Tanyag in Taguig and Ugong in Valenzuela.
Out of the thousands of cases infected by the disease, 21 died after suffering complications, like Pneumonia. As the number of cases increased in the first week of 2014, the public are advised to take extra preventive measures to avoid acquiring the disease.
Now, having said that there is a “Measles outbreak” in the metro, this essay aims to inform its readers about measles and address some of the misconceptions that we, Filipinos, know about the disease. Also, the essay will give some ways to prevent acquiring such disease.
What about measles?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus, specifically Paramyxovirus. In Filipino, measles is known as Tigdas.
Some Symptoms of Measles are:
- High Fever (10-12 days after exposure with infected person)
Mataas na lagnat (10-12 araw pagkatapos mahawa sa taong may tigdas)
- - Severe cough and runny nose
Mantinding pag-ubo at Sipon
- - Red watery eyes
Pamumula at pagtutubig ng mga mata
- - Skin rashes (usually occurs 14 days after the exposure to the disease)
Paglabas ng mga pulang butlig sa balat (14 araw pagkatapos mahawa sa taong may tigdas)
- - Mouth sores
singaw
Now that we know some of the symptoms of Measles, the next section of this blog talks about some of the common misconceptions we have (at least, I have) with the disease. These misconceptions are based on my own experience about the disease. Yes, I got infected by the disease recently (August 2013- in the middle of the midterm exams week) and I hope to at least give other people, particularly students, correct information about the disease.
Five Common Misconceptions about Measles or Tigdas
Common Misconception #1: Measles or Tigdas is a skin disease.
Yes, I thought that tigdas is a skin disease because of its famous red rashes symptom, but it’s not. Measles or tigdas is a Respiratory infection. If not treated immediately, measles can lead to Pneumonia and other severe diseases such as diarrhea, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear).
Common Misconception #2: Measles or tigdas is not a deadly disease
image from: http://carlossantosmdpa.com/images/pnemonia.jpg
Since its just skin rashes and fever, most of us assume that it’s not a serious disease after all. But as I mentioned in #1, it is deadly if not treated early. However, there are vaccines which are distributed for free by your nearby local government health centers.
Common Misconception #3: Measles or Tigdas is not contagious
Measles is contagious and it can be transmitted or acquired easily. It can be transmitted by coughing or sneezing, or any close contact with the infected person. Usually, measles is contagious during cold weather seasons.
Common Misconception #4: the best cure for Measles or Tigdas is Kolantro
image from: http://www.harvesttotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/Cilantro-leaves-and-coriander-seeds.jpg
According to the statement of DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag, brewing and drinking Kolantro will not help cure the disease. It will just complicate the condition of the person infected with the virus and it can be dangerous if continuously consumed. There are no scientific studies that supporting the effectiveness of Kolantro in curing measles. However, when I got infected with measles, my mom asked me to bathe with a basin full of boiled water with kolantro. I must say that it is okay but it doesn’t guarantee an easy or faster recovery from Measles.
Common Misconception #5: You cannot have Measles or Tigdas again once you are infected with the disease
image from:http://www.wpro.who.int/philippines/areas/immunization/measles_rubella_pic1.jpg
This is not true. People who are usually at risk in acquiring the measles are those who are malnourished, dehydrated, lacks vitamin A, pregnant women and those who have immunodeficiency sickness. Also, any direct contact from a person infected with measles will likely increase your chances of acquiring the disease.
How to Prevent Measles?
A
Healthy lifestyle, regular consultation with your personal doctor and getting
anti-measles vaccines will help reduce your chances of having measles. These measles vaccines can be accessed for
free in your nearby local government health centers. Lastly, a good rest is the
best way to prevent having measles. Let us remember that it is difficult and expensive
to get sick these days- “Bawal magkasakit”.
Blogged by : Hilary Martinez
For the news regarding the "measles outbreak" see (http://www.interaksyon.com/article/78038/doh-probes-if-measles-virus-from-abroad-causing-rise-in-cases)
References:
World Health Organization (WHO) official website. "Measles" (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs286/en/index.html)
"DOH: Measles outbreak in MM" by Jaymalin Mayen. January 6, 2014 http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/01/06/14/doh-measles-outbreak-mm
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