ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Government is on top of the situation following the declaration of pertussis outbreak and placing the city under the state of calamity.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the city government through the City Health Office (CHO) under Dr. Annabelle Tang and concerned city hall departments have taken proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease that mostly affects infants and young children.
“Placing the city under the state of calamity paved the way for us to strengthen our outbreak response. But I would like to reiterate that we don’t impose lockdown,” Treñas stressed.
The city hall has been receiving information about an alleged lockdown in the city due to pertussis, causing worry and averting others from pursuing their visit to the city.
CHO data showed that confirmed cases of pertussis remained at nine as of this writing.
In an advisory, it emphasized that the in-place proactive measures have established a protective barrier within the community, eliminating the need for travel restrictions to and from Iloilo City, and negating the necessity to cancel mass gatherings such as conventions, concerts, and similar events. The CHO, however, strongly advised to strictly adhere to minimum public health standards.
“It is crucial to stay informed with accurate information about pertussis. Knowing the correct information will enable you to take proper preventive measures and avoid undue worries. Stay updated through official announcements from the Iloilo City Health Office and trusted health authorities,” the CHO advisory further read.
The CHO is implementing the following proactive measures against pertussis:
* Community awareness activities such as public information campaigns have been launched to raise awareness about pertussis, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
* Intensified vaccination campaign against pertussis and other vaccine-preventable diseases is being conducted in various community settings.
* Intensified disease surveillance systems have been reinforced to swiftly identify, manage, and track the spread of pertussis.
* Samples are actively collected from probable cases and stored at the USWAG Molecular Laboratory for confirmatory tests at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine to accurately diagnose and manage cases.* In the event of a probable or confirmed case, they are referred to hospitals for appropriate medical treatment and isolation.
The CHO also stressed the importance of maintaining hygiene practices: regular hand washing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and maintaining distance from individuals who are ill, among others. (With a report from the Iloilo City PIO)/PN
