Many people are growing concerned because of the increasing number of individuals stricken with measles or tigdas across the country. The Department of Health (DOH) has raised the red flag and has declared an outbreak in five regions – Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas .

In these five regions alone, almost 1,400 confirmed cases of measles have been listed as of last February 7, of this number, 22 have been confirmed by the DOH to have died because of the disease. Several other regions are now also being monitored because of an increase in the number of measles cases reported there. These regions are MIMAROPA, Ilocos, Northern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, and Soccksargen and the DOH is asking them to step up their response to the disease.

Some of the most susceptible to the disease are unvaccinated young children, according to the World Health Organization . But, anybody can be infected including pregnant women, teenagers, and even adults. In fact, DOH data from 2016 shows that young adults aged 16-20 are the second largest group infected by measles .

Measles is regarded as a highly contagious and infectious condition. It can be transmitted by coughing or sneezing or through direct contact with anyone infected with it. Symptoms include high fever that lasts four to seven days, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and white spots that develop inside the cheeks. After a few days, rashes appear and then it spreads all over the body .

Children aged five years old or younger and adults 21 and above are especially vulnerable to complications caused by measles. Some of the common complications are ear infections and diarrhea, while severe complications include pneumonia and encephalitis , the latter two might even lead to death.

Right now, the most effective tool against measles is prevention through immunization, especially in young children. Help stop the spread of measles virus through proper oral, hand, and body hygiene plus Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Throat and Mouth Care solutions that are proven to effectively kill the measles virus. In a laboratory test conducted by Japanese doctors in 1997, they have proven that Povidone-Iodine is able to kill many viruses, including the measles virus, in a relatively short span of time .

One of the leading and most trusted antiseptic brands of Povidone-Iodine in the country is BETADINE®8,9,10, which also has a whole line of upper respiratory care products proven safe and effective for use inside and outside our homes.

The first product in the line is Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle, which has been proven to kill various types of viruses in as early as 15 seconds7. Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle is perfect for use at home and is effective in addressing not just viruses but also bacteria and fungi11,12.

When outside the house, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Throat Spray is a good choice. Like Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle, it is also capable of killing viruses in as early as 15 seconds7. It also kills bacteria and fungi11, 12.

To know more about Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle and Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Throat Spray, see the product information label and visit http://ph.betadine.com/en/ph/throat-and-oral-care. For patients with measles or any of its symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.

Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle and Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Throat Spray are available in drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. Also in Lazada (https://www.lazada.com.ph/watsons-official-store/?langFlag=en&q=betadine&from=wangpu&pageTypeId=2) and Shopee (https://shopee.ph/BETADINE%C2%AE-Gargle-(Blue)-500-i.104517503.1909709188).

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