PERTUSSIS – Health authorities reported the death of a 1-month-old male infant from a community in Negros Occidental who was diagnosed with pertussis, commonly referred to as whooping cough.

Pertussis, a highly contagious bacterial illness, triggers severe and uncontrollable coughing spells, often followed by a “whooping” sound as the individual struggles for breath. While it can affect individuals of all ages, it poses a particularly grave risk to young children and infants, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The disease, caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, spreads easily through airborne droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, which can reduce both the duration of the illness and the period during which an individual can transmit the infection to others.

Based on a report from Inquirer, health officials reported the unfortunate demise of a 1-month-old infant from an undisclosed area in Negros Occidental who tested positive for pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough.

Dr. Girlie Pinongan, the provincial health officer, confirmed on Monday the passing of the first pertussis fatality from a local government unit in the province, which occurred last week at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City.

Although at least 11 infants in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City have tested positive for pertussis, Pinongan stated that there is currently no need to declare an outbreak as the situation is under control.

Among the 36 suspected pertussis cases in Negros Occidental, five have tested positive, five negative, while the remainder await results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. Pinongan noted that those affected range in age from 1 month to 62 years, with the majority being infants.

To safeguard children against pertussis, the provincial government plans to procure 10,000 doses of pentavalent vaccines.

Pinongan emphasized that children should avoid crowded areas and wear masks if necessary when outdoors.

According to the report, in Bacolod City, six confirmed pertussis cases were reported, with two from Barangay Tangub and one each from Barangays Granada, Handumanan, Taculing, and Villamonte. These cases are separately tallied from those in Negros Occidental due to the city’s independent status. Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, Bacolod City health officer, assured that all six patients have since recovered and been discharged from hospitals, thus negating the need to declare a pertussis outbreak in the city, as there is no clustering of cases.

Bacolod plans to acquire 10,000 doses of pentavalent vaccines, allocating P15 million for this purpose, aimed at reducing pertussis cases. This quantity of doses is expected to provide protection for approximately 3,300 individuals. Pentavalent vaccines offer immunity against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B.

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