KABUGAO, Apayao – The municipality government confirmed its first case of pertussis, commonly known as “Whooping Cough,” on June 13, 2024.
This highly infectious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis was diagnosed in an 8-year-old female, according to the Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit at the Kabugao Rural Health Unit (RHU).
The patient was initially seen and managed at the Kabugao RHU on May 20, 2024, and subsequently admitted to Conner District Hospital on May 25, 2024, due to a persistent cough with difficulty breathing. A swab was taken and sent for testing at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) on June 3, 2024, as advised by the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. The positive result was released on June 11, 2024.
Before the result was confirmed, contact tracing was already conducted by the Kabugao RHU-Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and coordinated with the Provincial Health Office (PHO)-Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.
An emergency Local Health Board meeting, spearheaded by the RHU and attended by various stakeholders including the PHO and Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO), resulted in the declaration of a “Public Health Emergency of Local Concern.” During this meeting, the following measures were discussed and agreed upon:
Case Management Activities: To reduce morbidity and mortality, treat those affected, and reduce transmission by isolating infected individuals. This includes active case searches, decentralized care, referral systems, triage, care staff training, supply chain management, treatment protocols, and isolation measures.
Infection Prevention and Control Activities: To stop the further spread of the disease through vaccination, and water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions.
Social Mobilization and Community Engagement: Health promotion is crucial for prevention and control at the community level. Community compliance with proposed measures is essential for a successful response.
Surveillance and Disease Intelligence Activities: To understand the transmission dynamics and epidemiology of the disease for appropriate prevention and control measures.
Moreover, the Kabugao RHU reported that the patient is in good condition, and human resources have been deployed for close monitoring of contacts identified during tracing.
Pertussis is a respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis or Bordetella parapertussis. It spreads through coughing or sneezing and starts as a mild cough and cold lasting about two weeks, followed by severe coughing fits lasting up to six weeks. The characteristic “whooping” sound is heard during inhalation between coughs. Other symptoms include vomiting after coughing and low-grade fever. In infants, cyanosis or bluish discoloration may occur instead of coughing.
Antibiotics are effective if administered early. Treatment duration depends on the antibiotic used and the patient’s age and condition, ranging from 4 to 14 days. It is important to follow the prescribed treatment and complete the course of antibiotics. Self-medication is discouraged.
With this first Pertussis case in the province, the PHO is closely coordinating with local epidemiology and surveillance units, rural health units, and hospitals for monitoring potential cases.
The PHO likewise emphasizes the importance of preventive measures to protect children and the public from Pertussis: Observing cough and sneezing etiquette; Practicing good hygiene; Frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers; Taking extra caution when going out with children, or only going out when necessary; and Consulting medical professionals for signs and symptoms.
Finally, the PHO strongly recommends vaccinating children as the most effective way to prevent this highly contagious respiratory illness. By Jc Marquez
