By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — An official from the local government of Quezon City reminded parents on Friday (22 March 2024) to avoid bringing their babies to crowded places amid the Pertussis disease outbreak.
“Mayor Joy Belmonte announced the Pertussis outbreak to serve as a warning for parents to be cautious, especially with babies who have not yet been vaccinated. Our reminder is that infants should not be taken to crowded areas for now,” said Dr. Rolando Cruz, OIC of the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division.
Cruz emphasized that Pertussis is a contagious disease that can spread from person to person, particularly affecting younger children.
“Whooping cough or Pertussis is an upper respiratory infection that is highly contagious, especially among children, particularly in our younger population,” he added.
The local official noted that while wearing face masks is not mandatory, he advised adults to wear masks if they experience symptoms.
Earlier, Belmonte declared a Pertussis outbreak in the city, with 23 reported cases, including four Pertussis-related deaths of infants aged from 22 to 60 days old.
(el Amigo/MNM)
