December 27, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 4,518 cases of pertussis nationwide as of Dec. 14.
In its report, the DOH said the number is almost six times higher than the 760 cases recorded in the same period in 2023.
Pertussis or whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection that causes influenza-like symptoms of mild fever, colds and coughs within seven to 10 days after exposure.
Latest DOH data showed 144 deaths, which leads to a case fatality rate of 3.19 percent – almost three times higher than the 51 deaths recorded in the same period last year.
The DOH said it is ramping up vaccination efforts as it continues to monitor a decrease in cases in recent weeks, with 36 cases logged from Nov. 17 to 30, compared to the 44 cases during the Nov. 3 to 16 period.
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