The rise of whooping cough cases in the Philippines has been more evident recently.
This 2024, whooping cough or pertussis cases in the country have shown a notable increase, as compared to the previous years. The Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 453 cases in the first 10 weeks of the year (Cabato, 2024).
Last March 21, 2024, the Quezon City government declared a whooping cough or a pertussis outbreak in their area after tallying 23 cases since the beginning of the year 2024. Four of these cases have been identified to succumb to the disease. With the acknowledgement of the upsurge of the cases, Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed that their declaration is made not to panic others, but instead, inform them that they are on top of the situation by mobilizing assets like procuring needed vaccinations (Mateo, 2024).
Given that this disease is circulating around and is rapidly affecting the health of little ones, it’s important to be aware and be familiar with the causes, symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent acquiring this illness.
Causes & Symptoms
Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is a contagious bacterial respiratory infection that can be transmitted to any person of all ages through sneezing or coughing. Infants and kids are more susceptible to this disease. This infection is caused by the bacteria called Bordetella pertussis.
Getting this disease can also be through respiratory droplets or even having contact with airborne droplets. Using infected utensils or exposure to contaminated clothes and furniture is also a way to acquire the disease. The symptoms of pertussis usually start with mild sickness like a common cold, fever, colds, and coughs. There is a certain incubation period as the symptoms show after seven to ten days after exposure. The disease is most contagious during the third week after the symptoms show. Over time, the infection worsens by having experienced a distinct hacking cough with high-pitch sounds after coughing. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other illnesses such as pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and worst case for infants to children below five years old – death, may come up as the severity of the whooping cough increases (Lazaro and Aurelio, 2024).
Prevention, Vaccination
Since the disease is known to be rapidly spreading, as a member of the family, it’s best to know what’s the next best step should your loved ones experience symptoms of pertussis.
Whooping cough, as mentioned above, may experience flu-like symptoms in the early stages. Usual remedies may be taken such as medicine to lower down the fever temperature, or lessen coughing. However, if the condition worsens such as experiencing difficulty in breathing, severe coughing, and bluish discoloration, it’s advised by the Department of Health to consult your doctor immediately. This disease can be treated with antibiotics, but prevention is always better than cure. Prevention can be done by getting vaccination shots (Espina, 2024).
For mamas and papas out there, always look out for your children. Whooping cough or pertussis is a heavy disease mostly for little ones. Take extra precautions by sanitizing at all times. Your family can also wear a face mask to avoid airborne particles and droplets spread on surfaces. Children are not the only ones prone to whooping cough, but also elders. Moving forward, be informed of the latest updates regarding this disease! Stay safe always!
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Aurelio, J. & Lazaro, J. (2024). Pertussis outbreak in QC, more cases in Pasig. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1922067/qc-pasig-declare-pertussis-outbreaks
Cabato, L. (2024). DOH logs 453 cases of whooping cough in first 10 weeks of 2024. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1921453/fwd-doh-on-pertussis-or-whooping-cough
Espina, Z. (2024). Whooping Cough: What you need to know. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/22/whooping-cough-what-you-need-to-know
Mateo, J. (2024). Quezon City declares ‘whooping cough’ outbreak. Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/03/22/2342395/quezon-city-declares-whooping-cough-outbreak
