A child is given an oral anti-polio and measles vaccine at Barangay 183 in Pasay City, during the Department of Health’s “Chikiting Ligtas” Vaccine Supplemental Immunization on May 2, 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File 

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded over 1,185 measles-rubella cases in the Philippines from January 1 to March 15, 2025, with most cases involving unvaccinated children.

This is 27 percent higher than the 930 cases logged during the same period in 2024, according to DOH.

Around 802 cases or 68 percent of the total reported incidents this year are unvaccinated.

Measles cases surge 20 pct, global study shows

The National Capital Region leads the most recorded cases of measles-rubella with 295 infections, followed by Central Luzon with 150 cases and CALABARZON with 144 cases.

DOH reminded parents to have their children vaccinated against measles-rubella.

"Kung maraming bata ang 'di pa nababakunahan, ibig sabihin tumataas din ang banta ng tigdas. Kaya nananawagan muli ang DOH sa mga magulang na tiyakin ang pagbabakuna ng kanilang mga anak laban sa tigas," the agency said in a video post.

Malacañang on Wednesday also encouraged parents to vaccinate their children amid increase in measles cases in the country.  Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government has the on-going "Bakunahan a Purok ni Juan" project to bring free immunization to communities.

"Punta lamang po sila sa health centers: Caloocan, Quezon City, Taguig, sa Manila, Mandaluyong at Las Piñas. At sa iba pang mga LGUs po ay gagawin po ito sa second quarter of 2025 so punta lamang po kayo sa health centers ngayon para sa pagpapabakuna ng inyong mga anak,” she said. 

Despite availability of vaccines, measles remains as an cause of death among children globally, according to the World Health Organization.

It has described measles as a "highly contagious viral disease" that often hits children and young adults.