FOLLOWING the death of four infants and 23 logging cases, the government of Quezon City declared an outbreak of pertussis. 

But what is pertussis?

Also known as the whopping cough, pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by a bacteria called “Bordetella Pertussis.” 

There are 23 cases from the records of January to March 20, 2024–including four deaths of infants aging from 22 days old to 60 days old.

Data for the first ten weeks of 2024 revealed 453 reported cases of pertussis, which is 1,869.57 percent higher than the same period in 2023 with only 23 cases reported.

In a news release last Thursday, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte stated that she has already ordered the City Health Department along with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council all the relevant city departments to spread awareness regarding the outbreak. 

She stated that the purpose of declaring the pertussis outbreak is to inform the public that the local government is on top of the situation. 

Belmonte told the public not to be alarmed, stating that the city government has mobilized assets and resources to slow the outbreak.

As for preventing the further transmission of the disease, Belmonte advised the QC citizens to seek medical care for those who are experiencing symptoms. 

The Quezon City Mayor said the City Health Department – Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division has been assigned to administer prophylaxis within the area where the cases were reported.  This is to isolate and treat patients. 

She also assured that targeted testing would be done on individuals displaying symptoms, including those who are at risk. There will be heightened surveillance in when it comes to the high-risk areas.

“We will do whatever it takes to curb the spread of this disease. We are mobilizing our own resources towards procuring the needed vaccines to keep our children safe, until such time as the DOH (Department of Health) supply arrives,” she said. 

Aside from notifying the public, Belmonte has mandated the urgent acquisition of pentavalent vaccines and antibiotics for the treatment of cases as well as the prevention of patients’ close contacts who have been reported to have contracted the illness.

To prevent the disease from spreading, she also appealed to pharmaceutical firms, suppliers, pharmacies, and physicians to not exploit the circumstances and to work with local government organizations and other relevant organizations

What is whooping cough?  

Pertussis also known as “Whooping Cough” is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella Pertussis—which is also known to be contagious.  

The infection can be transmitted through contact with airborne droplets and exposure to infected utensils, clothes, etc. 

Symptoms of this includes: 

• Persistent cough that may last for two or more weeks 
• Mild fever
• A runny nose. 

Many children who get pertussis experience coughing fits that last four to eight weeks. The illness is most contagious up to three weeks after the cough starts.

For children and infants to avoid this disease, they should be given a routine DPT (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccination.