ILOILO City – The city government is on the brink of lifting the state of calamity declared due to a pertussis outbreak, as the incidence of cases has significantly waned.
Announcing an 80% control over the outbreak, City Health Officer Annabelle Tang noted the potential end to the emergency measures by the end of May, pending approval from the mayor and city council.
But despite the optimistic outlook, health authorities plan to maintain rigorous immunization efforts.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by severe coughing fits and can be especially dangerous for infants.
The infection is known for its distinct “whooping” sound when the affected individual inhales air during coughing episodes.
Since the last recorded case on April 17 – a one-year and eight-month-old boy – the city has made significant strides in curbing the spread of the disease. Assistant City Health Officer Roland Jay Fortuna highlighted that 8,689 children had been vaccinated as part of targeted outbreak response immunization, focusing primarily on infants up to 12 months to ensure they receive the necessary three doses.
In addition to the initial immunization efforts, 741 out of 926 targeted pregnant women have received their tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (TDAP) vaccines, providing an added layer of protection to newborns.
The Department of Health and the city government have collectively augmented vaccine supplies, using various funds to secure additional doses.
As the city nears the possible conclusion of its state of calamity, Tang continues to urge the public to practice good hygiene and to avoid exposing unvaccinated babies to crowded environments, reinforcing the ongoing threat posed by pertussis despite the decrease in cases./PN