The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a decline in the number of pertussis cases in the country.
According to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, the agency is now recording only 50 cases of pertussis per week, a significant decrease compared to the 300 cases per week reported in April.
Data shows that the DOH recorded 131 cases of pertussis from July 7 to July 20, 77 cases from July 21 to August 3, and 19 cases from August 4 to August 17.
The agency attributed this decrease to their routine vaccination efforts conducted across various provinces in the country.
However, the DOH noted a rise in cases in four regions: Cagayan Valley, Metro Manila, Western Visayas, and Davao Region.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
It is characterized by severe coughing fits, which can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pertussis, and routine immunization programs play a critical role in controlling outbreaks.