ROXAS City, Capiz – The province of Capiz has no recorded pertussis or whopping cough case since 2009, based on Provincial Health Office records.
“This means that our vaccination program against pertussis is very effective, safe and reliable,” said Provincial Health Officer Alex Nolasco in a radio interview.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be particularly severe among infants and young children, and is considered a serious public health concern.
The disease can be acquired through direct contact with the discharges from respiratory mucus membranes, like when infected individuals sneeze, cough, or have colds. The bacteria causing the disease may also indirectly contact through droplets and articles freshly soiled with the mucus discharges of the infected individual.
“Our monitoring of the disease is sustained as with early detection of symptoms. This can also be treated,” said Nolasco.
He stressed the importance of vaccines, proper hygiene, and cough etiquette like covering a mouth when coughing or coughing into your elbow to prevent the spread of the disease.
The provincial health officer also noted that a booster dose for babies who have completed the first three pertussis shots within 12 to 18 months as well as between four to six years old and every 10 years thereafter is needed as the vaccines also gradually wean off through the years.
The Department of Health (DOH), meanwhile, is expecting about 3 million more pentavalent vaccine doses to arrive at the soonest possible time. These vaccines protect not only against pertussis, but also against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and hemophilus influenza type B.
The health department advises the public to carry on with daily activities but highly encourages the use of facemasks and recommends consulting a doctor or nearest health center should there be any symptoms or not feeling well. (Philippine Information Agency)/PN
