The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas vowed to hold massive vaccinations to combat pertussis in the region.

Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, head of the Regional Epidemiologist of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit-7, noted that the pertussis outbreak occurred due to low vaccination rates against the vaccine-preventable disease.

“I hope mothers see that vaccine really works, and they could see the increase in cases or the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases. This is also an awakening for them to go to the Rural Health Units to get immunized and bring their children,” she said in a statement Thursday.

Canal attributed the resurgence of pertussis to low vaccination since 2018.

Pertussis, commonly known as “whooping cough,” is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting the respiratory system. The disease manifests initially with symptoms akin to those of a common cold, progressing to severe coughing fits with a characteristic “whooping” sound.

“That’s why part of DOH’s 8-point Action Agenda of the Secretary of Health is to increase to 95 percent our immunization,” Canal said.

Meanwhile, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said they have strengthened their vaccination campaign against pertussis after being identified as one of the areas with reported cases.

Instead of declaring an outbreak, Cortes said the city has heightened the “medical approach” by immunizing the vulnerable segment, especially the infants.

“I will release an executive order that will lay down our strategies for preventing the rise of pertussis in the city,” he added. (PNA)