BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
BACOLOD City – The Provincial Health Office of Negros Occidental recorded six new cases of pertussis, bringing the total confirmed cases in the province to 20.
Dr. Girlie Pinongan, PHO head, said they also listed 18 probable cases while 47 already turned out negative.
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.
The PHO is currently waiting for the delivery of the 10,000 vials of its procured pentavalent vaccines to conduct catch-up vaccination among children less than five years old to curb pertussis.
“There are local government units which still have remaining vaccine supply, but there is none available for the others,” Pinongan earlier said.
Pentavalent vaccines protect against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenza type B.
Pinongan said previously that the PHO vaccinated 62 percent of the target population.
She noted, however, that they still need to reach out during the catch-up vaccination more than 20,000 of about 54,000 children needed to be covered.
In an earlier advisory, the PHO head said those who are unvaccinated or have not completed their vaccination series are at increased risk of severe illness. They should avoid or limit contact with individuals with known or probable pertussis.
“For unvaccinated parents or caretakers of children showing the symptoms, masking, and religious practice of good hygiene is heavily encouraged,” Pinongan added. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency)/PN
