SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – As more towns and cities in the Philippines declared an outbreak of pertussis, the Department of Health-Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD-1) informs the public that treatment of whooping cough is covered under PhilHealth. 
 
In an episode of The Virtual Presser of the Philippine Information Agency-Regional Office 1, Medical Officer IV Rheuel Bobis of the DOH-CHD-1 urges the public to immediately seek medical help if experiencing symptoms of whooping cough.
 
Pertussis is a bacterial respiratory infection that causes influenza-like symptoms such as mild fever, colds, and coughs with whooping sounds for about seven to 10 days after exposure.
 
Hospitalization due to pertussis is covered under PhilHealth.
 
“Our PhilHealth packages may help you in your expenses if confined under DOH hospitals and facilities,” Bobis noted.
 
Medical case rates under PhilHealth for whooping cough include a P13,780 case rate; a P9,646 health facility rate; and P4,134 for the professional fee.
 
It can be transmitted from one person to another through respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing.
 
“Early detection of whooping cough can make the illness less serious, especially among babies. Thus, patients can be spared from more possible health risks and complications," Bobis explained.
 
Pertussis may lead to apnea, convulsion, or pneumonia if neglected and left untreated.
 
Bobis cited that it is always a must to prioritize one’s health at all costs.
 
According to Bobis, whooping cough is generally treated with antibiotics, and over-the-counter medications are not advised.
 
“We use antibiotics to treat patients with pertussis, which can only be availed upon doctor’s prescription,” Bobis said.
 
As of March 16, DOH-CHD-1 logged two cases of said disease in the province of Pangasinan.
 
Of these, patients are aged one and six years old. (JCR/MJTAB/AMB/CGCC, PIA Region 1)