MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Quezon City authorities announced a pertussis outbreak after 23 cases and four deaths from January to March 20, mainly among newborns aged 22 to 60 days old.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said she has already ordered the City Health Department, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and all relevant city departments to beef up the awareness campaign, especially in the health centers, on preventing contracting pertussis.
The mayor advised the public not to panic, saying the city government had mobilized assets and resources to prevent the spread of the disease.
“The increasing number of pertussis cases is alarming, and we are taking the necessary steps to prevent further disease transmission. We are extending our call to QCitizens who are experiencing symptoms to seek medical care in our health centers,” she said.
Belmonte stated that the declaration of a pertussis outbreak aims to inform the public that the local government is on top of the situation.
“We will do whatever it takes to curb the spread of this disease. We are mobilizing our resources towards procuring the needed vaccines to keep our children safe until the DOH (Department of Health) supply arrives,” she said.
Belmonte stated that the City Health Department – Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division will isolate and treat patients and administer prophylaxis in documented cases.
She also assured that increased surveillance in high-risk areas and targeted testing will be conducted on individuals exhibiting symptoms, including those at risk.
Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection transmitted through person-to-person contact, airborne droplets, and contaminated surfaces, causing persistent cough, mild fever, and a runny nose.
Pertussis is highly contagious, lasting up to three weeks after coughing, and children often experience coughing spells lasting four to eight weeks.
Infants and children from two months old should be given a routine DPT (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccination to avoid the disease.
Belmonte has ordered emergency procurement of pentavalent vaccines and antibiotics for disease treatment and close contact, appealing to pharmaceutical companies, suppliers, and doctors to cooperate and prevent disease spread.
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