28 Marso 2024, Huwebes

Huwebes Santo

supports Fire Prevention Month

deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili

deepest sympathy to family of the late Mario Cruz

supports Women Month March

joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

Pertussis cases 20x higher since Jan

By Nidz Godino

“Total number of cases during same period in 2023 was only 26, making this year’s tally to date more than 20 times from last year,” Department of Health (DOH) said number of pertussis cases nationwide has increased 20-fold this year from 2023.

DOH data showed 28 new cases were recorded from March 10 to 16, bringing to 568 total number of infections, including 40 deaths since January.

Regions with most number of local government units (LGUs) logged high number of pertussis cases were Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Central and Western Visayas, Mimaropa and  National Capital Region, accounted for 58 cases or 27 percent of total confirmed infections.

Six of 10 cases were infants below six months old. Three of every four of these infants were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination history.

Regardless of age, close to seven of every 10 cases reported were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination history.

Health officials said from 122 cases recorded between Feb. 4 and 11, figure increased to 149 between Feb. 18 and 25.

Cases  dropped to 73 from March 3 to 10.

DOH said declining trend could still change, as there may be late consultations and reports.

Pertussis is respiratory disease that can be transmitted through coughing or sneezing.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said antibiotics can treat pertussis and vaccines can help prevent  infection.

Herbosa said  DOH is redistributing vaccines in areas where these are needed most.

DOH is fast-tracking  procurement and arrival of three million doses of anti-pertussis vaccine.

Meanwhile, to prevent  spread of pertussis in Metro Manila, DOH is working with LGUs in implementing preventive measures.

LGUs have been advised to heighten surveillance and launch intensified routine immunization activities in their jurisdictions.

Health executives earlier met with LGU health officials in Metro Manila to present updates on number of pertussis cases and discussed appropriate measures to be taken.

They stressed need for LGUs to help protect public from the disease.

Outbreaks of pertussis have been declared in Quezon City and in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Data showed over 400 cases of pertussis were recorded in the first 10 weeks of this year. Figure is higher than number of cases reported during  same period in the past five years.

Health experts advised public to stay home during the Holy Week to avoid catching disease.

It said people should eat healthy food and assess themselves before fasting.