BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A resolution requesting Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez through the Bacolod City Health Office (CHO), to launch intensified campaign, measures and detection of rubella (German measles) to prevent its outbreak in the City of Bacolod, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Wednesday.
The resolution authored by Councilor Claudio Puentevella said rubella or German measles is clinically defined by the World Health Organization as an acute, contagious viral infection that occur most often in children and young adults.
Rubella virus infection usually causes mild fever and rashes in children and adults, infection during pregnancy especially during the first trimester; can result in miscarriage, fetal death, stillbirth, or infants with congenital malformations, known as congenital rubella syndrome (CBS), it said.
The resolution said the rubella virus is transmitted by airborne droplets when infected people sneeze or cough. Humans are the only known host, the resolution said.
The Department of Health (DOH) in October 14 announced that at least 489 measles and rubella cases have been recorded from January to October 1 in the Philippines, which is 167 percent higher compared to the same period last year. A DOH official said at least 62 percent of cases are from the group of children aged 5 and below, it said.
There is a need for the City of Bacolod to implement measures and programs to minimize and prevent the spread of rubella in the community, the resolution said.
The CHO is the local government agency tasked with the promotion and implementation of various programs and services relevant to health.*
