MANILA, Philippines: The Quezon City government declared a pertussis or whooping cough outbreak, after 23 cases have been reported from January to March 2024, including the deaths of four infants, Mayor Maria Josefina "Joy" Belmonte said on Thursday.
Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium bordetella pertussis, resulting in a highly contagious respiratory infection, the city's Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (EDSD) said.
It can be transmitted through person-to-person respiratory droplets or contact with airborne droplets and exposure to infected or contaminated clothes, utensils, furniture, etc., the mayor said in a press briefing.
Belmote assured the public that the city government was mobilizing its assets and resources to stop the spread of the disease.
"There is no need to panic. We are making this announcement to make everyone more prepared and remain vigilant. We are on top of the situation, and we will do whatever it takes to curb the spread of this disease," Belmonte said.
"We are mobilizing our own resources toward procuring the needed vaccines to keep our children safe, until such time as the supply from the Department of Health arrives," she said.
The City Health Department said the disease's symptoms include cough persisting for two or more weeks, mild fever, runny nose and cough.
Pertussis is most contagious up to about three weeks after the cough begins, and many children who contract the infection have coughing spells that last four to eight weeks, it added.
To prevent the deadly effects of pertussis, a routine DPT (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccination is often administered to infants and young children as early as two months old.
Citing records, the mayor said that from Jan. to March 20, 2024, there have been 23 reported cases in the city. including four pertussis-related deaths of infants from 22 to 60 days old.
Belmonte also instructed the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and all relevant departments to beef up its information, education and communication efforts by promoting awareness and preventive measures on pertussis in district health offices and health centers.
Meanwhile, the EDSD will administer prophylaxis to all identified probable cases in the areas where the cases were reported, as well as isolation and treatment of patients, the local government said.
The city government will likewise increase its surveillance in high-risk areas, including targeted testing to individuals exhibiting symptoms or those at risk, the city chief executive said.
The mayor also 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.
"The increasing number of pertussis cases is alarming and we are taking the necessary steps to prevent further transmission of the disease. We are extending our call to QCitizens who are experiencing symptoms to seek medical care in our health centers," she said.
At the same time, Belmonte appealed to the pharmaceutical companies, suppliers, pharmacies and physicians not to take advantage of the situation.
"Let us help to save every life of a child that might be afflicted by pertussis," Belmonte said.
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