Go calls for collective vigilance vs pertussis
SEN. Christopher“Bong”Go has called for increased vigilance, government intervention and community cooperation to stem the resurgence of pertussis or whooping cough and to prevent the spread of the disease.
An outbreak has been declared in Quezon City, with Pasig City also reporting an alarming increase in cases.
Go, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, highlighted the need for collective action, saying, “Being vigilant and the government’s response in combating pertussis is crucial. This disease, especially in infants and children, should not be disregarded.”
We must unite and proactively disseminate information, ensuring that there is sufficient medication available for everyone,” he added.
The outbreak in Quezon City, with 23 confirmed cases and several infant deaths, along with Pasig City’s 17 reported cases, has prompted local governments to initiate necessary public health responses. These include mapping out vaccination efforts and ensuring the public of the availability of vaccines and post-exposure prophylaxis.
Meanwhile, before the month concludes, Iloilo City’s disaster risk reduction and management council intends to declare an outbreak of pertussis within the districts of Molo and Jaro.
The disease, caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, spreads via respiratory droplets and may result in serious health issues, such as pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and potentially fatal outcomes.
Infectious diseases expert and president of the Philippine College of Physicians Dr. Rontgene Solante echoed the urgency of addressing the outbreak.
Solante advised vulnerable groups, especially children and the elderly, to wear face masks and get vaccinated against pertussis.
He also warned of the potential for the outbreak to spread further, particularly in densely populated areas, including Metro Manila.
With this, Go reiterated his appeal for Filipinos to wear masks, especially in public places.
“Even though Covid-19 is no longer as prevalent, the threat of diseases that can be transmitted, especially to the elderly and children, still exists. We don’t know what illnesses we might bring home. It’s better to be cautious. We managed to wear masks for over two years during the pandemic. A little sacrifice can save lives,”he said.
The senator is an advocate of long-term strategies to enhance the country’s preparedness and response to infectious diseases. He particularly appealed for the government to ramp up its vaccination efforts, noting that pertussis is included in the mandatory vaccination program.
Go filed Senate Bill (SB) 195 or the creation of a Center for Disease Control (CDC). If passed into law, the agency will serve as the country’s central hub for disease prevention, surveillance, and control, focusing on both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Another key legislative measure by the senator is SB 196, which seeks to establish a Virology Science and Technology Institute passed into law. The institute is envisioned as a center for virology that will enhance the country’s capacity to study, detect, and combat emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.