Summer is the best time to have fun and travel. But, it is also the time to catch viruses like measles.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 58,000 of suspected cases of the virus outbreak were already reported in the country with 21,420 confirmed cases and 110 deaths in 2014.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also added that 25 United States (US) travellers were infected with the virus after visiting the Philippines.

Among the symptoms of measles are high fever, cough, rashes, runny nose and red watery eyes. Some people can also experience ear infection, diarrhea, and pneumonia.

To avoid the outbreak, the Department of Health (DOH) conducts vaccination campaigns. One dose for infants aged 6-11 months and two doses for children aged 12 months and above are advised.

CDC also encouraged maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness such as washing of hands, using sanitizer when soap is not available and covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Furthermore, consulting medical experts after experiencing the symptoms is recommended.

Further details about measles outbreak in the Philippines can be viewed at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/measles-philippines. You can also visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/measles to learn more about the virus. ■