Pertussis outbreak, idineklara sa Quezon City | Frontline Tonight

Summary

An outbreak of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has been declared in Quezon City, resulting in four deaths including a frontline reporter. The disease is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria, with symptoms including coughing fits lasting over two weeks. The local government reports 23 cases from January to March 20, equal to the total cases in 2023. The vaccine stock is depleted, prompting efforts to procure more. The Department of Health confirms a significant increase in cases compared to previous years, with 453 cases in the first week of the year. The public is advised to wear masks and prioritize vaccination once available.

Takeaways

• 📢 A pertussis outbreak has been declared in Quezon City, resulting in four deaths including a frontline news reporter.
• 🌐 Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria.
• 🚨 Symptoms typically last more than two weeks and include severe coughing spells and difficulty breathing.
• 📈 The local government of Quezon City reports 23 cases from January to March 20, surpassing the total cases in 2023.
• 👶 Among the victims are infants under six months old who were not vaccinated.
• 🏥 The mother of one-month-old Baby Jasmine, who died on March 8, described her child's struggle with breathing and rapid heartbeat.
• 💉 Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte stated that the shortage of vaccine stock is the main cause of the outbreak.
• 🇵🇭 Nationwide, the number of pertussis cases has increased to 453 in the first week of the year, a significant rise compared to previous years.
• 💊 The Department of Health reports no vaccine stock available currently, with possible supply expected in May.
• 😷 The public is advised to wear face masks and take extra care, especially if they are elderly or come in contact with positive cases.

Q & A

What is the current situation of pertussis in Quezon City?

There is an outbreak of pertussis in Quezon City, with four deaths reported, including a frontline reporter.

What is pertussis more commonly known as?

Pertussis is more commonly known as whooping cough.

How is pertussis transmitted?

Pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by a bacteria.

What are the common symptoms of pertussis?

Common symptoms include coughing for more than two weeks, difficulty breathing, and rapid breathing.

How many cases of pertussis have been reported in Quezon City from January to March 20?

There have been 23 cases reported, which is equivalent to the total number of cases in the entire year of 2023.

How many deaths have been attributed to pertussis in Quezon City?

Four deaths have been reported, including children under six months old who were not vaccinated.

What was the condition of Baby Jasmine, one of the victims?

Baby Jasmine often coughed and had difficulty breathing. Her oxygen levels dropped, and her heartbeat was too fast.

What is the current status of the pertussis vaccine in Quezon City?

The stock of the pertussis vaccine is depleted, making it difficult to control the outbreak.

What is the Quezon City government doing to address the vaccine shortage?

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte stated that they are mobilizing resources to procure the needed vaccines.

How many cases of pertussis were reported nationwide in the first week of the year?

Nationwide, there were 453 cases reported in the first week of the year.

What is the advice given by the Department of Health regarding pertussis?

The Department of Health advises the public to wear face masks and to prioritize vaccination once the vaccine supply is available.

What is the current status of the vaccine supply according to the Department of Health?

As of now, there is no stock of the vaccine against pertussis, and a possible supply may be expected in May.