Pertussis Claims Life of Infant in Negros Occidental
PERTUSSIS – Health officials announced the passing of a one-month-old baby boy from a locality in Negros Occidental who had been diagnosed with pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough.
Pertussis, a highly contagious bacterial infection, induces severe and uncontrollable bouts of coughing, often accompanied by a distinctive “whooping” sound as the person struggles to breathe. While it can affect people of all ages, it poses a particularly serious threat to young children and babies, as stated by the Department of Health (DOH).
The illness, caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, spreads easily through airborne droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing. Typically, treatment involves antibiotics, which can shorten the duration of the illness and the period of infectiousness.
According to a report from Inquirer, health officials announced the unfortunate death of a one-month-old infant from an undisclosed area in Negros Occidental who tested positive for pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. Dr. Girlie Pinongan, the provincial health officer, confirmed on Monday the first pertussis-related fatality from a local government unit in the province, which occurred last week at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City.
Despite at least 11 infants in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City testing positive for pertussis, Pinongan stated that there is currently no need to declare an outbreak as the situation is being managed. Among the 36 suspected pertussis cases in Negros Occidental, five have tested positive, five negative, while the rest await results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. Pinongan noted that those affected range in age from one month to 62 years, with infants being the majority.
To protect children against pertussis, the provincial government plans to purchase 10,000 doses of pentavalent vaccines. Pinongan stressed that children should avoid crowded places and wear masks when necessary when outdoors.
In Bacolod City, six confirmed pertussis cases were reported, with two from Barangay Tangub and one each from Barangays Granada, Handumanan, Taculing, and Villamonte. These cases are counted separately from those in Negros Occidental due to the city’s independent status. Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, Bacolod City health officer, reassured that all six patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals, eliminating the need to declare a pertussis outbreak in the city as there is no clustering of cases.
According to the report, Bacolod plans to purchase 10,000 doses of pentavalent vaccines, allocating P15 million for this purpose, aimed at reducing pertussis cases. This quantity of doses is expected to provide protection for approximately 3,300 individuals. Pentavalent vaccines offer immunity against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B.
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