DOH logs 568 pertussis cases, 40 deaths nationwide

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, March 27, said there have been 568 cases of pertussis reported from Jan. 1 to March 16 this year, a significant increase from the same period in 2023, when only 26 cases were recorded.

DOH added that there have also been 40 deaths attributed to pertussis since January.

It noted that Metro Manila, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Mimaropa (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), Western Visayas, and Central Visayas have the “highest spikes” in pertussis cases, with Metro Manila alone contributing to 27 percent of the total confirmed cases nationwide.

DOH also expressed concern over the high percentage of cases among infants below six months of age, who account for 62.7 percent of reported cases.

Likewise, a significant portion of these infants either had “no vaccination history” or were undervaccinated.

DOH stressed the importance of awareness and preventive measures in the face of a concerning rise in pertussis cases in the country.

“The medical field has known about pertussis for a long time now. We have antibiotics that can treat it. Vaccines are safe and effective against whooping cough; DOH is redistributing on-hand doses to where they are needed the most,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

Pertussis typically manifests as a prolonged cough accompanied by distinctive "whooping" sounds during inhalation, along with vomiting and a low-grade fever.

The DOH highlighted that infants may exhibit cyanosis or bluish discoloration during coughing episodes.

Herbosa also stressed the significance of respiratory hygiene practices, such as covering coughs and sneezes, to prevent the spread of the disease.