CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Cavite Provincial Health Office (PHO) heightens its response against the highly infectious Pertussis by targeting unvaccinated individuals, particularly infants in their Outbreak Immunization Response (ORI) program. 

The ORI program is in addition to their ongoing routine immunization against pertussis, following the declaration of a state of calamity in the province due to the increase in confirmed and suspected cases of the disease in Cavite from January to April 2024. 

Based on the data presented by Ralph Laurence Figueroa, the health education and promotion officer-designate of Cavite PHO, there are 17 cases of pertussis recorded throughout 2023. By the first quarter of 2024, cases had significantly increased to 36 diagnosed and suspected patients, resulting in 6 deaths during the said period.

“From January 2024 to March 25, 2024, we recorded a total of 36 cases. The number of cases increased significantly at around a 3,500% increase in cases. Aside from that, there were six deaths recorded during that period,” Figueroa stated. 

While pertussis can infect anyone, the Cavite PHO primarily focuses on vaccinating infants and children, as they are deemed the most vulnerable to the respiratory disease.

As of March 30, 2024, individuals infected by the highly contagious disease in the province range from 1 day old to 26 years old.

Figueroa explained: “We are currently prioritizing unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children, particularly those who haven’t completed their primary dose. We cannot deny that we still have shortages of vaccines against pertussis at the moment, which is why we prioritize those unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children.”

Children ages 1 and a half months old, 2 and a half months old, and 3 and a half months old need to be administered with the Pentavalent vaccine. The vaccine requires three doses and should be completed within a 4-week interval between doses to protect against pertussis.

In general, the provincial government of Cavite maintains close coordination with other frontline government agencies, including the Department of Health for the timely reporting of cases, the status of vaccine delivery, and other supplies needed by the province. 

Along with getting vaccinated to boost defenses against pertussis, the public is encouraged to wear masks if experiencing a cold or cough, consume nutritious food, and ensure adequate sleep or rest.

As of April 6, 2024, despite continuous measures to control the contagious disease, the DOH-Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit has reported 59 confirmed and suspected pertussis cases in Cavite, with 8 fatalities due to the disease. (CO/PIA-4A)

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