Whooping cough

Iloilo City in Crisis: Whooping Cough Outbreak Sparks State of Calamity

Iloilo City faces a state of calamity as pertussis cases surge, with 16 suspected and 7 confirmed cases. Learn more here!

Iloilo City found itself in the midst of a health crisis as a pertussis outbreak led to the declaration of a state of calamity. The city officials took this drastic step after identifying 16 suspected cases of whooping cough, with seven cases already confirmed. Pertussis, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to public health. The urgency of the situation prompted the city government to act swiftly in response to the escalating outbreak.

The outbreak in Iloilo City highlights the importance of vaccination. Public Health Wales also emphasized the significance of immunization as pertussis cases rise. Pregnant women and parents of young children are urged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, Tennessee lawmakers recently voted to end flu and whooping cough vaccine requirements for foster families caring for medically fragile kids, raising concerns about the potential impact on public health and vulnerable populations.

In a separate incident, southern Marin County in the Bay Area experienced a spike in whooping cough cases, affecting Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley. The Marin public health division responded to the outbreak, underscoring the need for community awareness and preventive measures. The resurgence of whooping cough serves as a reminder of the importance of public health initiatives and the role of immunization in safeguarding communities against infectious diseases.