Philippines reports decreasing measles and pertussis cases
Philippines reports decreasing measles and pertussis cases
Whooping cough
In a follow-up on the pertussis, or whooping cough cases in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) reports pertussis is on the decline.
No regions had an increase in pertussis, or tusperina (in Filipino) during the latest six-week monitoring period.
As of May 11, 2,521 pertussis cases have been reported this year to date.
The national epidemic curve is showing a continuous decrease in cases, with new cases during the past two weeks being 25 percent lower than the prior two weeks.
The total deaths stand at 96.
Philippines reports more than 400% increase in chikungunya
Measles
Measles, or tigdas (in Filipino) cases are also on the decline. Through May 11, 2,552 measles cases have been reported, including five deaths.
Children under 10 years of age account for 83 percent of the cases.
Like pertussis, measles are also down in the most recent weeks (8%).
The DOH said the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, through its Ministry of Health (MOH), has been its lead partner in bringing the MR cases down.
While the Bangsamoro recorded the most cases at 1,196, the outbreak response immunization (ORI) spearheaded by the Bangsamoro MOH has resulted in 65 percent lower case count in the region, comparing April 28 to May 11 with April 14 to April 27.
“DOH and the Bangsamoro MOH continue to deploy catch-up immunization and ORI according to the specific Bangsamoro areas where MR cases are still being found,” the DOH said.
Subscribe to Outbreak News TV on YouTube
“Halfway through the second quarter of 2024, the DOH delivers on its commitment to stem the transmission of measles and pertussis cases,” it said in a statement.
“Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, on orders of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., continues to secure population health through intensified vaccination campaigns with local governments, primary care doctors, and allied health workers,” it added.