ILOILO — The provincial government is prepared to provide support to local government units (LGUs) facing outbreaks of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. emphasized the strategic use of antibiotics as frontline treatment and reiterated calls for the public to adhere to minimum health standards.
“An emergency purchase of additional antibiotics has been made to support municipalities in need. We will focus our resources on antibiotics, which have proven effective. Our frontline cure includes antibiotics alongside maintaining minimum public health standards,” said Defensor.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease known for causing severe coughing fits that can be particularly severe in young children and infants. It spreads through droplet transmission from coughing or sneezing.
From January 1 to April 13 this year, the province recorded 23 confirmed cases of pertussis with four fatalities.
The affected towns included Santa Barbara with three cases; Miag-ao, Pavia, Dumangas, and Lambunao with two cases each, one of which resulted in a death in Dumangas; and single cases in Banate, San Joaquin (one death), Ajuy, Anilao, Barotac Nuevo, Concepcion, Tubungan, Cabatuan, Balasan (one death), and Alimodian.
In addition, there are 54 suspected cases of pertussis with four deaths across various towns, including four each in Santa Barbara and Miag-ao (one death); three each in Pavia, Lambunao, Banate, San Joaquin, Tigbauan, San Rafael; two each in Ajuy (one death), Barotac Nuevo, Concepcion, Passi City, Oton, San Miguel, Barotac Viejo, Estancia (one death), and Pototan; with single cases in Tubungan, Badiangan, Sara, Dingle, Igbaras, New Lucena, and Leon.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, chief of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, highlighted the availability of over 11,000 vials of pentavalent vaccine in cold storage, ensuring there is no shortage.
The vaccine provides protection against five life-threatening diseases including diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Hib disease.
“The existing inventory of 11,050 vials is sufficient, and we have adequate stocks for immediate response to outbreaks, particularly for vaccinating children aged zero to 12 months,” said Quiñon.
The stocks are expected to suffice until June 2024, unless there is a significant increase in cases.
Quiñon also advised the public to continue practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette, hand washing, and to isolate and seek medical consultation if symptoms appear, to prevent further spread of the disease./PN
