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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH logs 568 pertussis cases, 40 deaths nationwide

DOH logs 568 pertussis cases, 40 deaths nationwide

Published Mar 27, 2024 08:33 am

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, March 27, said there have been 568 cases of pertussis from Jan. 1 to March 16 this year, a significant increase from the same period in 2023, when only 26 cases were recorded.

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(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

DOH added that there have been 40 deaths attributed to pertussis since January.

It noted that Metro Manila, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Mimaropa (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), Western Visayas, and Central Visayas have the “highest spikes” in pertussis cases, with Metro Manila alone contributing to 27 percent of the total confirmed cases nationwide.

DOH also expressed concern over the high percentage of cases among infants below six months of age, who account for 62.7 percent of reported cases.

Likewise, a significant portion of these infants either had “no vaccination history” or were under-vaccinated.

DOH stressed the importance of awareness and preventive measures in the face of a concerning rise in pertussis cases in the country.

“The medical field has known about pertussis for a long time now. We have antibiotics that can treat it. Vaccines are safe and effective against whooping cough; DOH is redistributing on-hand doses to where they are needed the most,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

Pertussis typically manifests as a prolonged cough accompanied by distinctive "whooping" sounds during inhalation, along with vomiting and a low-grade fever.

The DOH highlighted that infants may exhibit cyanosis or bluish discoloration during coughing episodes.

Herbosa also stressed the significance of respiratory hygiene practices, such as covering coughs and sneezes, to prevent the spread of the disease.

In response to the escalating situation, the DOH is mobilizing efforts to ensure the availability of vaccines, with plans to fast-track the arrival of 3 million additional doses.

Pentavalent vaccines, which protect against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and haemophilus influenzae type B, are readily accessible for infants and children at government health centers.

Children aged one to six are also eligible for a booster dose, while older children and adults are encouraged to seek guidance from healthcare professionals regarding suitable vaccines.

Pregnant women are advised by the DOH to inquire about the TDAP vaccine to safeguard their unborn babies from Pertussis.

Related Tags

Whooping cough Pertussis DOH
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