26 Apr 2024 | 01:44 PM UTC
Philippines: Elevated pertussis activity reported in multiple areas in April /update 1
Elevated pertussis activity reported in multiple areas in the Philippines in April. Obtain vaccination.
Health officials have reported elevated pertussis activity across multiple areas in the Philippines, with an additional 704 cases reported March 24-April 13, bringing the total case count to 1,566 cases since Jan. 1. This is compared to the 36 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Areas reporting increasing disease activity in the past six weeks include Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Bicol Region. Local health officials are distributing vaccines to affected areas, and are coordinating with local governments to improve immunization coverage among young children. This report represents the most complete data available as of April 26.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against pertussis or immunity through previous infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas.
Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) vaccination coverage in the Philippines is estimated at 72 percent in 2022, which is well below the 92-94 percent required to prevent wider community transmission. Health officials have reported more than 700 pertussis cases nationwide in the Philippines in 2023, 42 cases in 2022, 27 cases in 2021, and 48 cases in 2020.
Pertussis - also known as "whooping cough" - is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Symptoms typically appear 5-10 days after exposure, but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms range from mild illness with low-grade fever and occasional coughing in the early stage, to vomiting, exhaustion, and severe fits of rapid coughing in the later stage. Infants and children up to 4 years old are at highest risk, and typically suffer the most severe symptoms.
