The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, May 18, said that all regions did not experience a continuous increase in pertussis cases during the most recent six-week monitoring period.

DOH noted that the nationwide pertussis epidemic curve showed a continued decrease in cases, with new cases from April 14 to 27 (375) being 25 percent lower than from March 31 to April 13 (499).
As of May 11, the 19th week of morbidity, DOH showed a total of 2,521 pertussis cases reported since the start of 2024.
"Pertussis deaths number at 96. Note that case counts may change as there may be late consultations and reports," DOH said.
Meanwhile, DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa thanked President Marcos for his strong support of vaccination efforts against measles and pertussis.
"In fact, the President himself knows and reminds us at the DOH that we cannot rest even with this accomplishment that is a product of calm and collected, quick and decisive action by local governments in coordination with the DOH," Herbosa said.
"We continue to await the millions of doses of pentavalent vaccines coming in this third quarter. The DOH through its Centers for Health Development is now preparing with LGUs (local government units) to immediately deploy those doses once they arrive," he added.