OVER 450 cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, have been recorded in the first 10 weeks of this year, a marked increase from only 23 cases reported for the same period last year and two in 2022, the Department of Health said yesterday.
In Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte and the City Health Department — Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division declared a pertussis outbreak as cases continue to rise.
From January to March 20, there were 23 reported cases in the city, including four pertussis-related deaths of infants 22 to 60 days old. Belmonte assured the public the city government is mobilizing its assets and resources to stop the spread of the disease.
The DOH urged the public to have their pentavalent vaccines – diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and haemophilus influenza type B (DPT-HepB-HiB) which it said are “available for free at local health centers.”
The DOH attributed the increase to lack of routine immunization, especially among children, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Disruptions in routine immunization at primary care during the pandemic are seen to be the main reason why,” said the DOH.
“The lifting of COVID-19 as a public health emergency, which allowed for more mobility among populations returning to schools and workplaces, may have also heightened the transmission of diseases,” it added.
Pertussis (“ubong-dalahit” or “tuspirina” in Filipino) is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection that causes influenza-like symptoms of mild fever, colds, and hacking coughs (dry coughs) seven to 10 days after exposure.
The DOH said the pentavalent – diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and haemophilus influenza type B (DPT-HepB-HiB)
The DOH reminded the public to continue practicing health protocols established during the pandemic, such as voluntary use of a best-fit mask and staying at home when sick, washing hands often, and choosing areas with good airflow.
“The same respiratory precautions learned from the COVID-19 pandemic will help protect against pertussis, and other respiratory infections,” said the DOH.
Belmonte ordered the emergency procurement of pentavalent vaccines and antibiotics for treatment of cases and prophylaxis of close contacts of patients reported to have acquired the disease.
She has also instructed the City Health Department, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and all relevant city departments to beef up information, education and communication efforts by promoting awareness and preventive measures on pertussis.
Meanwhile, the Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division will administer prophylaxis to all identified probable cases in areas where the cases were reported, as well as isolation and treatment of patients.
The city government will also increase its surveillance in high-risk areas including targeted testing to individuals exhibiting symptoms or those at risk.