MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 28 new pertussis cases across the country from March 10 to 16, which brings the total to 568 from January 1 to March 16.

Meantime, 40 deaths have been reported from January 1 to March 16

"The total number of cases for the same time period in 2023 was only 26, making this year’s tally to date more than 20 times from that of last year," the agency said in a statement.

 "Of the total pertussis cases thus far recorded, at least six out of ten (356, 62.7 percent) were infants below 6 months of age. Three out of four (270, 75.8 percent ) of these infants were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination history. Of the total number of cases regardless of age, close to seven out of ten (384, 67.6 percent ) were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination history," it added.

CALABARZON, Metro Manila, Western Visayas, MIMAROPA, and Central Visayas are among the regions that have listed the most number of local government units showing case increases.

Health centers to remain open this Holy Week to give pertussis vaccines: DOH

"Metro Manila accounted for 27 percent  (58 cases) of the total confirmed cases among all regions. On a biweekly basis, the number of new Pertussis cases did rise from the weeks of February 4 and 11 (122 cases) to the weeks of February 18 and 25 (149 cases). This has gone down to only 73 new cases in the weeks of March 3 and 10," the DOH said.

"While this may show an improvement, the DOH is cautious in interpreting the trend as the number of cases may still change as there may be late consultations and reports," it added.

The Health Department explained antibiotics are available and effective against pertussis, with a doctor prescribing a course of treatment "that should start as early as possible."

"Depending on the antibiotic used and the age and condition of the patient, treatment may run from 4 to 14 days. It is important to consult a doctor and use antibiotics only as prescribed. Do not self-medicate, and always complete the number of days," the agency added.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is optimistic that the country will be able to "fight" the respiratory illness, he said in a statement.

DOH on pertussis outbreaks: No need to worry, but stay vigilant

"The medical field has known pertussis for a long time now. We have antibiotics that can treat it. Vaccines are safe and effective against whooping cough; DOH is redistributing on-hand doses to where they are needed the most. In consultation with President Marcos, I have already ordered to fast-track the arrival of 3 million more doses. Please be assured while also being alert," he said.

The DOH has also met with city health officers of each LGU in Metro Manila to discuss updates on pertussis cases, along with actions taken and assistance needed in the region.

The "implementation of heightened surveillance and more aggressive routine immunization activities" was also tackled in the meeting held Tuesday.

PUBLIC 'ADHERENCE'

Speaking to ABS-CBN News, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the agency, health centers, and citizens are "catching up with vaccination".

There are 64,400 vaccine doses available and distributed to different regions nationwide, while the Health Department expects "3 million more pentavalent doses arriving at the soonest possible time", earlier targeted by June.

DOH: 3 million pertussis vaccine doses arriving 'soonest'

Domingo shared they are not keen on the reimposition of mandatory wearing of face masks or restrictions in gatherings due to pertussis outbreaks in some areas in the country, during the Holy Week, Ramadan, and long weekend.

"We all want to be protected against the disease, we all want to get well. And in public health, the activities of people are best done voluntarily," Domingo said.

'We don't even want to use the word 'compliance' in medicine anymore. Between compliance which means 'Sumunod ka,' versus adherence na, 'Tara, gumawa tayo ng solusyon together,' the latter is preferred because this will actually lead to better health outcomes," he added.

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