The Quezon City government, along with the City Health Department - Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division, declared a pertussis outbreak in the city on Thursday, March 21.
“There is no need to panic. We are making this announcement to make everyone more prepared and remain vigilant. Ang deklarasyon natin ay pagsiguro na we are on top of the situation, and we will do whatever it takes to curb the spread of this disease. We are mobilizing our own resources towards procuring the needed vaccines to keep our children safe, until such time the DOH supply arrives,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
According to the records, from January to March 20, 2024, there were a total of 23 reported cases in the city, including four pertussis-related deaths of infants aged 22 to 60 days old.
Belmonte had already ordered the City Health Department, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and all concerned departments to promote and implement preventive measures.
“The increasing number of pertussis cases is alarming and we are taking the necessary steps to prevent further transmission of the disease. We are extending our call to QCitizens who are experiencing symptoms to seek medical care in our health centers,” Belmonte said.
The Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division will administer prophylaxis to all identified probable cases in the affected areas, as well as isolation and treatment of patients.
The local government said it will increase its surveillance in high-risk areas, and test individuals exhibiting symptoms and those at risk.