By JEN BAYLON
The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) has reported an increase in the number of probable pertussis cases in the province with 28, from 18 cases logged last week.
PHO head Dr. Girlie Pinongan, in an interview, said the specimens from suspected cases were sent for confirmatory tests at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.
The majority of the cases were reported in children aged one to nine months.
The PHO has recorded eight confirmed pertussis cases with two deaths.
Two infants, a one-month-old and a two-month-old, died from pertussis this month.
Meanwhile, Pinongan emphasized the importance of vaccinations among children, as pertussis can be life-threatening.
“For those nga wala pa ma-immunize, palihog kadto lang sa nearest health centers,” she added.
The provincial government has allocated budget for the purchase of an additional 10,000 doses of pentavalent vaccines.
Pinongan also advised the public to wear face masks and avoid crowded places to prevent pertussis infection.
“Malikawan naton ang pertussis especially sa aton mga kabataan, kung pwede i-avoid lang danay ang magwa, especially sa crowded places,” Pinongan said.
“And if magwa man gid, kung pwede mag-mask, especially sa mga may ginabatyag, para ma-avoid man naton nga maglapta ang mga balatian, kaangay sang pertussis,” she added./JB, WDJ