The contagious pertussis disease continues to spread across the Philippines, resulting in at least 40 deaths this year. A province near the capital region recently reported an outbreak, adding to the growing number of cases.
On Wednesday, the Cavite government declared the province under a state of calamity due to pertussis, logging 36 cases and six deaths as of March 25. Cavite, located southwest of Manila, is the fourth province to announce a pertussis outbreak, following Iloilo City, Quezon City, and Pasig City.
The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported 568 pertussis cases from January 1 to March 16, a significant increase from the 26 cases recorded during the same period last year. Tragically, 40 children have lost their lives to the disease in this period.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It spreads rapidly through droplets from coughing or sneezing, posing serious health risks, especially to infants.
To combat the outbreak, the DOH is urging parents to vaccinate their infants as young as six weeks old. Immunization remains the most effective way to prevent pertussis and its potentially fatal complications.
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Contagious pertussis disease continues spreading in the Philippines
cgtn.com
