Bacolod City in Negros Occidental has reported its first death due to pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. The victim, a six-year-old child from Barangay Villamonte, succumbed to the illness despite being vaccinated.
According to data from the Bacolod City Health Office (BCHO), as of June 1, the young victim had received the pertussis vaccine, but suffered from underlying health conditions that increased his vulnerability to the disease.
The BCHO’s investigation revealed that the boy has interactions with unvaccinated individuals, which likely contributed to the infection.
“Unvaccinated individuals pose a significant risk, especially to children with pre-existing health issues,” explained Grace Tan, Chief of the Environmental Sanitation Division of the Health Office. “They can easily transmit infections like pertussis to those who are most vulnerable.”
Bacolod City has logged 16 confirmed laboratory cases of pertussis, with Barangay Taculing recording the highest number of cases at three, and Barangays Tangub, Villamonte, and Vista Alegre each reporting two cases.
The rising numbers have spurred the Bacolod City government into action, with efforts underway to procure more vaccines to curb the spread of the disease.
“We are in the process of purchasing additional vaccines to reduce the incidence of this illness,” Tan stated. “Our vaccine stocks have been depleted due to the sudden increase in cases, and we haven’t received new supplies from the Department of Health (DOH) for three months.”
In response to the critical vaccine shortage, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez has allocated P15 million for the immediate purchase of vaccines. He also directed city officials to expedite the procurement process to ensure that the vaccines are administered to newborns and other high-risk individuals as soon as possible.
“We need to act quickly to vaccinate the vulnerable population and prevent further spread of this dangerous disease,” Benitez emphasized.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be fatal, especially in severe cases.
The disease is characterized by severe coughing fits that can lead to complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and in some cases, death.
With the first recorded death and the rise in pertussis cases, Bacolod City is now facing a significant public health challenge. The city’s efforts to acquire vaccines and implement preventive measures are crucial in protecting its residents and preventing further casualties.