Pertussis cases in PH declining, says DOH

MANILA, Philippines — Cases of pertussis or whooping cough are showing a continuous decrease nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Earlier, DOH said that children under five years old are the most affected by pertussis, with only four percent of the cases being adults aged 20 and older.

READ: Pertussis cases rising in 5 regions — DOH

In a report on Saturday, DOH disclosed that “all regions did not have a continuous increase of pertussis cases during the most recent six-week monitoring period.”

“The nationwide Pertussis epidemic curve shows a continuous decrease in cases, with new cases from April 14 to 27 (375) being 25 percent lower than March 31 to April 13 (499),” the agency said.

As of May 11, a total of 2,521 pertussis cases have been reported since the start of the year, including 96 deaths.

READ: Why vaccine-preventable diseases are back 

To further curb these cases, the DOH said millions of doses of pentavalent vaccines are coming into the country during the third quarter of this year.

“The DOH, through its Centers for Health Development, is now preparing with LGUs to immediately deploy those doses once they arrive,” the agency’s chief Teodoro Herbosa said.