In Light of Increasing Pertussis Cases, DOH Encourages Face Mask Use for Everyone's Protection, Especially Children

Mask up, especially for the little ones! With a rise in Pertussis cases targeting children, let's prioritize their safety by encouraging mask-wearing.

As a precaution against the growing number of whooping cough or pertussis cases in the nation, the Department of Health (DOH) has encouraged people, particularly youngsters, to use face masks.

“I highly recommend wearing face masks, especially the children, since we are declaring an infection that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets,” infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante said during an interview at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program yesterday.

A highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection, pertussis, sometimes known as whooping cough, produces mild fever, colds, and coughing fits seven to ten days after exposure.

He added, “I will highly encourage children going to school to use face masks.”

A major health risk associated with pertussis is especially for young children. Coughing over an extended period of time might result in pneumonia, encephalopathy, or respiratory failure. As coughing can lead to respiratory failure, parents should see a doctor if they observe their children coughing. It can also impact older people who were not immunized. Just two cases of pertussis were reported in 2022, compared to 23 occurrences in 2023. So, it's imperative to abide by medical advice and stay at home when ill.

Via Philstar