Bicol Region records 21 Pertussis cases

By Kim Villafuerte

In a press release by the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD), the region has recorded 21 cases of Pertussis and 1 death since January up until this week.

According to the DOH, Perstussis or whooping cough is “a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that can leave the individual “whooping” for deep breaths afterwards.” The disease can be transmitted regardless of age, however, it can be life threatening for children.

DOH Bicol CHD’s Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) reported 9 cases in Camarines Sur, 6 from Albay, 5 in Sorsogon while Masbate on the other hand, records a single case.

Out of the 21 cases, 15 were logged as clinical cases and 6 were confirmed to be laboratory including one from Masbate who died. Additionally, there were no recorded cases from Camarines Norte and Catanduanes.

DOH advices the public to always properly wash their hands, wear facemasks and distance children, especially infants away from those who are already infected with the disease to prevent the spread of Pertussis which can be transmitted through cough and sneeze droplets.

Pertussis includes symptoms such as fever, colds and violent coughs that can last up to a week or two. Moreover, the disease can also cause vomiting, rib fractures and cyanosis which is the turning of skin to blue caused by a low level of oxygen in the blood.

In case these symptoms are observed, DOH highly suggests the public to immediately consult their nearest health care provider.

In Naga City, teachers have been putting extra effort on educating children on how they can avoid getting infected with Pertussis.

DOH also encourages parents to get their children vaccinated against Pertussis considering the rise of cases in the country.

Dr. Albert Domingo, the spokesperson for PhilHealth, mentions that the DOH is currently working on distributing pentavalent vaccines, which provide immunization on life threatening diseases including Pertussis across the country.

(Photo courtesy of DOH-Bicol)