MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said at least four people have died after falling ill from measles.

Dr. Eric Tayag of the DOH National Epidemiology Center said the agency has also identified four new areas affected by small outbreaks of measles including the Market 3 fishport in Navotas; a barangay in Siniloan, Laguna; a town in Iloilo and several barangays in Davao City.

Tayag said the DOH has detected  954 measles cases nationwide from January 1 to February 20, which is triple the number recorded during the same period last year. He said the DOH will intensify vaccination measures in affected areas.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral earlier said the DOH will coordinate with the Department of Education on a “fever watch.” Pupils and students who have fever or who may be showing symptoms of measles will immediately be sent home so others would not get infected.

Symptoms that a person may be infected include fever, general weakness and sometimes red eyes. These symptoms are usually observed before the characteristic skin rash which confirms the onset of measles.