Contagious bacteria kills over 50 in the Philippines
54 children have died in the Philippines from the contagious bacterial disease called pertussis.
According to the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH), the disease has spread through the country since January.
1,112 cases have been tallied by the DOH this year alone. These figures represent almost 34 times that of the same period last year.
“All 54 deaths are less than five years old,” DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo was quoted.
There has been a rise in pertussis cases over the past six weeks in five regions in the main Luzon island, central and southern Philippines.
“Of the total pertussis cases thus far recorded, 77 percent were less than five years old. Adults, aged 20 and older, account for only around four percent of the cases, “ he added.
Parents have since been urged to send their children from six weeks old upwards vaccinated.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It spreads quickly through droplets from coughing or sneezing.
The disease can cause serious complications, especially for babies. Immunisation is the best prevention method. The Department of Health (DOH) urges parents to vaccinate their infants starting at six weeks old.
