Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. NO. 2012-0003)
The main objective is to set guidelines for strengthening laboratories in support of the goal of measles elimination in the Philippines.
1) Universal high population immunity through increased coverage, 2) High case-based quality surveillance, and 3) Adequate laboratory support for confirmation of diagnosis.
Any individual, regardless of age, with history of fever (38°C or more) or hot to touch, generalized non-vesicular rash of 3 or more days duration; and at least one of the following: cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis.
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) which houses the Department of Virology.
Serum samples for IgM testing, dried blood spots (DBS), and oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs (OPS/NPS) for virus isolation.
To coordinate reporting and investigation of suspect measles cases, manage provincial/city surveillance data, ensure proper specimen collection, storage, and transport to laboratories, and facilitate logistics and reporting.
It provides evidence of elimination of indigenous measles virus, identifies outbreak sources and transmission pathways, and certifies if the country achieved measles elimination.
The Centers for Health Development (CHD), Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (PESU), Provincial/City Health Offices (PHO), and Rural Health Units (RHU) facilitate proper and timely transport of specimens to RITM.
All suspected measles cases require laboratory confirmation during the elimination phase.
RITM will inform the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) that recollection of specimens is needed.