By PR | 08:21 PM March 27, 2024
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) released an advisory on the prevention and control of pertussis in Bohol on Wednesday, March 27.
The PHO’s Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit gave notice to all rural health units, hospitals, and health facilities requesting them to intensify the information education and communication campaign on pertussis.
The advisory also aims to address the increasing number of cases in the province to prevent the any possible outbreak.
From Jan. 1 to March 16 this year, there have already been five confirmed and seven suspected cases of pertussis.
The confirmed cases come from the towns of Corella, Cortes, Dauis and Ubay. Meaning, the suspected cases are in Inabanga, Loboc, Pilar, and Sagbayan.
Talibon had the most recorded number, with one confirmed and three suspected pertussis cases.
Records also show that majority of the 12 cases are in the 0-week age group, mostly male infants and unvaccinated.
With this data, PHO sought to highlight the importance of vaccination among individuals, especially children.
Regarding the prevention and control of pertussis, the PHO encouraged the public to get vaccinated.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), pertussis, commonly known as “whooping cough” is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that can affect people of all ages but is especially dangerous for babies.
The bacteria is caused by the bacterium bordetella pertussis and can spread easily from person to person through the air.
The early symptoms of pertussis include a runny or stuffy nose, mild and occasional cough, low-grade fever (for adults), life-threatening pauses in breathing, and turning blue or purple in babies and toddlers.
The cities of Quezon, Pasig, and Iloilo have declared an outbreak in pertussis, with the number of cases expected to rise higher.
So far, DOH has recorded 35 deaths attributed to it.
The DOH advised and highly encouraged the public to wash hands properly, use face masks voluntarily, cover coughs (cough into your elbow), choose well-ventilated areas, and be vaccinated.
Those showing any of the symptoms or health concerns are advised to consult a doctor or nearest health center. (PiMO/JSS)
