The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, April 9, noted the increasing number of pertussis cases in the country since the year 2024 started.

DOH, in a statement, said that based on the data from Jan. 1 to March 30 showed a total of 1,112 cases since the start of the year.

This, the Health department noted, is “almost 34 times that of the same period last year” at only 32 cases.

A total of 54 deaths were also recorded this year. These deaths, according to DOH Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo, were all “less than five (5) years old.”

DOH noted that in the past six weeks, there have been five regions that showed a “continuous increase” in the number of cases.

These regions include Eastern Visayas, Cagayan Valley, CARAGA, Central Luzon, and Cordillera Autonomous Region.

“Of the total pertussis cases thus far recorded, 77% were less than 5 years old,” DOH said. “Adults aged 20 and older account for only around 4% of cases,” it added.

DOH noted that for purposes of outbreak response, data on the growth rate of cases is “more pertinent” to the DOH compared to the total number of cases, per given area.

Meanwhile, DOH said it remains “cautious” in interpreting trends.

“The number of cases may still change as there may be late consultations and reports,” DOH said. “Furthermore, the effects of increasing immunization efforts to stem the outbreak may not be seen in the data until 4-6 weeks after they are started,” it added.

On April 5, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office in the Western Pacific (WPRO) said measles and pertussis are concerns of many countries because the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns hampered routine vaccination.

DOH said pertussis is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria – either Bordetella pertussis or Bordetella parapertussis.

It is transmitted from person to person through coughing or sneezing.

Transmission, DOH said, may be prevented by good respiratory hygiene: cover coughs and sneezing – do so into disposable tissues/wipes, or the elbow or upper arm (not hands).

DOH said vaccination is “safe and effective” against pertussis.

Pentavalent vaccines include protection against “DPT” (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus), in addition to Hepatitis B and Hemophilus influenza type B.

“Infants as young as 6 weeks may already be given this vaccine for free at government health centers,” DOH said.

Moreover, DOH said children from 1-6 years of age may get a booster dose while older children, as well as adults, are advised to consult a doctor or health center for advice on the appropriate vaccine.

Pregnant women may ask about the “Tdap” vaccine, which allows for protection of their soon-to-be-born babies against pertussis, DOH said.