• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental and the highly-urbanized Bacolod City are strongly encouraging the establishment of fast lanes in all health stations and facilities for respiratory and influenza-related illnesses.
In a joint advisory, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the City Health Office (CHO) cautioned the public on the increasing cases of pertussis.
Pertussis or “whooping cough,” caused mainly by Bordetella pertussis, is a highly-contagious respiratory infection whose transmission is via droplet infection and can infect up to 90 percent of non-immune household contacts, but mostly infects children below six months old, based on the study of US Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Health (DOH).
The DOH-6 Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit said that 89 pertussis cases were registered from January 1 to April 1 in Western Visayas.
The PHO logged one confirmed case of pertussis, involving a two-month-old infant, while 11 more are being monitored for showing signs of the respiratory disease.
The Bacolod CHO registered three confirmed cases of pertussis.
Early symptoms of pertussis which may last one to two weeks involve runny or stuffy nose, occasional cough and low grade fever.
Later symptoms, which usually last for one to six weeks, includes fits of numerous and rapid cough, followed by “whoop” sound, vomiting and exhaustion after fits of coughing.
Immediate consultation to nearest healthcare station is advised if the above symptoms are noted.
Also advised is immunization, especially for pertussis, and catch-up vaccination or booster if necessary.
For the unvaccinated general public, catch-up immunization and booster doses beyond the target ages of the National Immunization Program are highly recommended.
Parents are also encouraged to bring their infants to avail of free vaccinations at health centers.
The health advisory added that pertussis-containing vaccines maybe available in private clinics. | GB
