Philippines’ measles, rubella cases rise by 45% in Q1 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Cases of measles and rubella in the Philippines saw a 45% spike in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In a statement on Tuesday, April 7, the DOH said it recorded a total of 1,627 measles and rubella cases from January 4 to March 21, higher than the 1,121 cases recorded a year ago.

Measles and rubella are both viral infections that cause rashes that spread throughout the body. 

Measles appears as bright red spots and can cause a high fever, runny nose, cough, and watery red eyes, among other symptoms. Once complications due to measles occur, it can be fatal to children. 

Rubella, meanwhile, appears as pink spots and can cause a low fever, nausea, and mild conjunctivitis. It is dangerous for pregnant women.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao saw the largest number of measles and rubella cases with 344, followed by Soccsksargen with 322, and the Davao Region with 163. The National Capital Region was fourth with 158 cases, while Central Luzon was fifth with 154.

Out of all these cases, 1,111 or 68% of them were unvaccinated.

“The national MR (measles-rubella) vaccination coverage rate is around 66% of [the] eligible population; around 821,000 are unvaccinated even as they should be,” Health Undersecretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo said in the statement.

In Quezon City, a four-month-old baby girl died of measles on March 25, the first recorded measles-related death in the city this year.

The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) reported on Monday, April 6, that the infant started showing symptoms on March 21, and her condition progressed despite medical treatment.

“We are saddened by the recently reported measles death in Quezon City. Even as the vaccination rate for QC is at a commendable 96%, infants younger than the recommended age for first dose vaccination (typically 9 months for routine; 6 months for supplementary immunization activity) remain susceptible,” Domingo said.

In response to the infant’s death and to prevent the possible spread of measles, the QCESD said the local government conducted a field epidemiologic investigation, outbreak response immunization, and active case finding.

Domingo stressed that vaccines are “proven safe and effective” in preventing measles and rubella.

“They are the best protection against the viruses and their deadly complications. Routine immunization continues nationwide, and logistics preparations for the MR supplemental immunization activity (MR-SIA) phase 2 in Luzon and the Visayas are underway,” he added. – Rappler.com