LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Department of Health (DOH)-Bicol recorded 35 pertussis or whooping cough cases from January 1 to April 27.
The agency reported on Monday, May 6, that 23 are clinical while 12 are laboratory confirmed cases.
The DOH-Bicol said the two fatalities were from the provinces of Masbate and Camarines Sur.
Albay had the highest of cases with 14, followed by Camarines Sur with 12, Sorsogon with seven, and Masbate, two. Camarines Norte and Catanduanes have no recorded cases.
Health officials said pertussis spreads quickly in the early stages before coughing begins and spreads through droplets from cough or sneeze of an infected person. Symptoms include colds, fever, and cough that last for one to two weeks.
The public was advised to be more vigilant amid rising cases of pertussis.