The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) reported a total of eighteen (18) cases of Pertussis or “Whooping Cough” as of March 9.
The health bureau said this is a 100% increase compared to the same period last year, which showed zero reported cases.
DoH said that Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be severe in infants and young children. It is spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes of infected people.
According to DOH, symptoms would include a cough lasting for more than two weeks, vomiting after coughing, and fatigue.
The DOH urges the community to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their children from pertussis. This includes getting vaccinated, observing proper hygiene, and covering coughs and sneezes.
In the Czech Republic, over 3,000 infections were reported so far in 2024. This marks the highest number of cases since the 1960s. Teenagers are being hit the hardest by this surge in the highly contagious respiratory illness, according to a report of HealthWorld.com.
