TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) has identified five suspected cases of pertussis in Eastern Visayas, according to information from the regional office.
Jelyn Lopez-Malibago, the health office’s spokesperson, disclosed that these suspected cases are spread across Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Leyte provinces.
Southern Leyte and Leyte provinces each reported two suspected cases, while Eastern Samar reported one.
Samples from these cases will undergo confirmatory testing at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough or the 100-day cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection preventable through vaccination.
Early symptoms mimic those of a common cold, such as a runny nose, fever, and mild cough. However, these symptoms progress to severe coughing episodes lasting two to three months. During these episodes, individuals may produce a distinctive whooping sound or gasp for air.
The intensity of the coughing can lead to complications like vomiting, rib fractures, and fatigue. Infants under one year old may not display a typical cough but could experience episodes of breathlessness.
The disease’s incubation period ranges from seven to ten days. While vaccination can mitigate symptoms, cases can still occur, albeit with milder effects.
