DOH to monitor pertussis trends amid vaccination efforts

The Department of Health (DOH) will continue to monitor the spread of pertussis in the country following increased efforts for immunization against the disease.

According to a statement on Tuesday, the results of increased efforts may not be observed until four to six weeks after it began, and late consultations and reports may still impact recorded trends.

“Time is of the essence. Our DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (RESUs) are in constant coordination with provincial, city, and municipal health offices to provide scientific advice. We are helping LGUs move to break transmission and protect children. Vaccines are available, and more have been ordered,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

While vaccinations will help in mitigating the spread of pertussis, Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag earlier said that the country did not have enough vaccines to combat pertussis and recommended the use of antibiotics to combat the disease.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino recommended the public to use herbal medicine such as lagundi while awaiting the new supply of the vaccine.

The recommendation was supported by Tayag, who added that the herbal medicines are available in syrups and capsules at local drugstores.

The DOH is expecting up to one million doses of the pertussis vaccines to arrive by June 2024.

From January 2024 to March 23, there had been 862 recorded cases of pertussis, including 49 deaths. 

The province of Cavite also declared a state of calamity on Mar. 28 due to the outbreak.

Pertussis is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria that manifests in “whooping” coughs for several weeks, along with vomiting and fever. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News