By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Quezon City local government has declared a Pertussis outbreak as cases continue to rise in the city.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte assured constituents that they are addressing the matter to prevent the further spread of the disease.
“There is no need to panic. We are making this announcement to ensure everyone is prepared and remains vigilant,” Belmonte said.
“Our declaration ensures that we are on top of the situation, and we will do whatever it takes to curb the spread of this disease. We are mobilizing our resources to procure the needed vaccines to keep our children safe until the DOH supply arrives,” she added.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis.
Belmonte has instructed the City Health Department, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and all relevant city departments to enhance information, education, and communication efforts by promoting awareness.
The local government has recorded 23 reported cases in the city, including four Pertussis-related deaths of infants aged from 22 days to 60 days old.
The Department of Health (DOH) also urged the public to get vaccinated as cases of pertussis and measles rise in the country.
(el Amigo/MNM)
