ILOILO City – Why are cases of pertussis or whooping cough – for decades a preventable and treatable disease – rising and becoming a concern again in Western Visayas?
According to the Department of Health (DOH), one of the reasons is the low pertussis immunization coverage in the region.
“Immunization coverage drastically declined when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country,” said Dr. Adriano Suba-an, DOH-6 director.
Moreover, most healthcare workers were overburdened with workload since they served as vaccinators both for routine immunization in children and COVID-19 immunization, he added.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection characterized by persistent violent coughing with a characteristic high-pitched sound (or whooping) between coughs. Spread mainly through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing, the disease is most dangerous in infants and children, and is a significant cause of disease and death in this age group.
Pertussis is usually included in the government-offered vaccines, either the DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) vaccines or the more modern 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 shots.
DOH-6’s 2023 data showed that the routine immunization rate coverage of the region was at 61.36 percent or equivalent to 98,795 children.
Among the provinces and cities in the region, Iloilo City had the highest immunization coverage rate at 70.61 percent, followed by Iloilo Province at 68.08.
As of April 1, 2024 (January 1, 2024 to April 1, 2024), the region has recorded 22 laboratory-confirmed cases with five deaths, and 46 probable cases.
The breakdown of confirmed cases is as follows: Iloilo (12), Negros Occidental (one), and Iloilo City (nine).
All five deaths occurred in Iloilo province.
The 46 probable cases are broken down as follows: Aklan (four), Antique (five), Guimaras (one), Iloilo (20), Negros Occidental (seven), Bacolod City (four), and Iloilo City (five).
“Do not be alarmed but be more familiar and alert with the signs and symptoms of this disease such as a mild cough and cold that lasts up to two weeks, followed by an outburst of cough which lasts up to six weeks,” said Suba-an.
Vomiting and exhaustion may follow the intense coughing. A low-grade fever may be present, and infants may exhibit a bluish skin appearance (cyanosis) upon coughing.
Seek consultation at the earliest onset of signs and symptoms to prevent complications and spread of infection, said Suba-an.
He urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive their recommended vaccines within the first year of life.
“Pertussis is treatable and preventable,” stressed Suba-an.
VACCINE HESITANCY
Cong. Janette Garin, who previously served as the Health secretary and now represents Iloilo’s 1st District in Congress, attributes the increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases to a reluctance among parents to vaccinate their children.
However, the lawmaker explained that the vaccine hesitancy did not happen overnight, claiming that past DOH officials — particularly former secretaries Francisco Duque III and Paulyn Ubial — failed to address the circulation of misinformation on vaccines.
“The huge vaccine hesitancy happened because the Department during the time, the leadership of the [DOH] during that time, the Duque and Ubial legacy led to a strong reduction of vaccination. Why talk about this? People should understand that these incidents during the current administration, is actually an offshoot of some mistakes committed during the previous administration,” Garin added.
She noted a significant decline in vaccine coverage from 98% to about 30%, which she believed contributed to the resurgence of pertussis and other diseases.
The DOH central office reported a sharp rise in pertussis cases in the first ten weeks of 2024, with 453 incidents, in stark contrast to the numbers from previous years.
Garin has openly criticized the spread of false information about vaccine effectiveness, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decline in vaccine confidence among Filipinos has also been linked by health experts to controversies surrounding the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.
There were allegations that those vaccinated with Dengvaxia by Sanofi Pasteur experienced more severe dengue symptoms upon infection, and there were even reports of deaths, leading to legal action against DOH officials.
Despite these controversies, Garin, who was in charge of the DOH during the Dengvaxia rollout, insists that the vaccine was safe and effective, as evidenced by its successful use in other countries. (With a report from inquirer.net/PN)
