Pasig City records 25 pertussis cases, 2 fatalities

Mothers and babies turn up in droves at SM Masinag in Antipolo City, Rizal, on Thursday, for the “catch-up” immunization drive for infants and toddlers against vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, diphtheria and pertussis, among others. The campaign resumes after being deferred due to the coronavirus pandemic. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Pasig City reported on Friday that it had recorded 25 cases of pertussis or whooping cough from January to March 22, 2024.

In its pertussis advisory, the city confirmed 17 cases, while two of those infected have died.

On the other hand, eight of the 25 cases were classified as “probable,” meaning the patients exhibited symptoms of pertussis but tested negative for the disease.

“As of present, there have been 25 recorded cases of pertussis in Pasig. In the 25 cases, 17 of these were confirmed [two of them passed away] and eight were probable cases,” the advisory stated.

On Thursday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported a rise in the number of pertussis cases in the first 10 weeks of 2024, totaling 453.

Symptoms of pertussis include mild fever, colds, and coughs. The DOH noted that pertussis can be treated with antibiotics and prevented through vaccination.

The local government of Quezon City also declared a pertussis outbreak, having recorded 23 cases since the beginning of 2024.