• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping or violent cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, have risen to five in Negros Occidental, as of March 30.
The Bacolod City Health Office reported last night that it sent four more samples of probable cases of pertussis to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicines (RITM).
Of the four new cases, three are in highly urbanized Bacolod City, and one is from Negros Occidental, the CHO reports said.
Those suffering from suspected cases of pertussis have ages from six weeks to two months old, and all of them are admitted in hospitals, the report added.
A two-month-old infant was earlier treated also for suspected pertussis at a government hospital in Bacolod City. The result of the sample sent to RITM has yet to be known, as of this time.
Pertussis, according to the Department of Health, can be transmitted through respiratory droplets.
The Provincial Health Office is campaigning for the use of face masks, in the wake of the issuance of a health alert against pertussis.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan called on Negrenses to be vigilant against pertussis, especially among children who may experience whooping cough, or difficulty in breathing. If symptoms persist, she advised those affected to consult physicians.
The bacteria responsible for whooping cough spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, even among individuals with mild or asymptomatic cases, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and early detection, according to DOH.*
