Epidemiology of measles in the Philippines

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Measles cases have decreased ever since vaccination has been introduced through the DOH Expanded Program on Immunization (DOH EPI) in the Philippines. Elimination is the current goal. However, despite high vaccine coverage, a nationwide outbreak occurred in 2013.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVES:</strong> This study aimed to present measles incidence rates before and after the introduction of the measles vaccine, describe the changing epidemiology of measles, and assess the effectiveness of measles vaccination and baseline measles reporting.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> National data from 1960 to 2014 were used to determine incidence of measles and describe its epidemiology. Vaccine coverage and data on measles surveillance were used to estimate vaccine effectiveness by birth cohort and age group.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Reported measles incidence decreased after the introduction of measles vaccine compared to prevaccination levels (pre-vaccination: 36 per 100,000 to 73 per 100,000; 2008-2014 confirmed measles incidence: 1.47 to 23.76 per 100,000, suspected measles-5.7 to 58.08 per 100,000). A shift in the age distribution of cases was noted during the outbreak. Vaccine effectiveness by birth cohort ranged from 85-96% while the lowest VE estimate by age group was seen among those aged 26-30 years.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Measles vaccine coverage should target wider age groups. Measles surveillance should be improved to help in evidence-based decisions for a more effective plan towards measles elimination.</p>

Risk factors of developing pneumonia among confirmed measles cases

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>BACKGROUND:</b> Deaths may occur due to complications of measles. The most common measles complication is pneumonia and accounts for most measles-related deaths.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> The study aimed to identify risk factors for developing pneumonia among measles cases.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODOLOGY:</strong> A cross-sectional study was conducted using measles surveillance data from an outbreak in the Philippines from January 2013 to December 2014. Data on age, sex, area of residence, clinical manifestations, receipt of the measles vaccine, and other exposure variables were obtained and analyzed using logistic regression.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Approximately 25,166 confirmed measles cases were included in the study where 16% had pneumonia. Potential risk factors identified in the development of pneumonia among confirmed measles cases were younger age.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> These risk factors help identify cases requiring prompt management to reduce morbidity and mortality in any future measles outbreaks.</p>

Sexual exploitation and abuse of children online in the Philippines: A review of online news and articles

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Advances in information and communication technologies facilitate opportunities for sexual exploitation and abuse of children online (SEACO). Despite the presence of laws against child pornography, trafficking, and cybercrime, the Philippines has become known as a key hub of the billion-dollar global child cybersex industry.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> The objective of this study was to provide insight on SEACO in the Philippines.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> The methodology consisted of a review of readily available news articles and reports. The search term "Philippines cybersex" was used in Advanced Search in Google News (https://news.google.com.ph) for English language reports from 1995 to 2015 to describe the geographic distribution of media reported cases of SEACO, the profile of victims and offenders, and how offenders and victims became involved in SEACO.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>RESULTS:</b> The review found 55 reports and articles from 2011 to 2015. Cases were reported from 9 regions in the country with victims ranging from 18 months to 17 years in age. Three types of SEACO were identified: live streaming of child sexual abuse, child sexual abuse material (child pornography), and sextortion using minors.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Cases of SEACO were found to be present throughout the country. National policies and preventive measures are needed to stem this crime.</p>