LOCAL health authorities have ruled out the need to require the wearing of face masks despite the outbreak of whooping cough or pertussis in Quezon City.
“Hindi naman po necessary na mandatory ang pagsusuot ng face mask, lalung-lalo na kung wala naman kayo sintomas (It is not mandatory to wear face masks, especially if you don’t have the symptoms), said Dr. Rolando Cruz, officer-in-charge of the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division.
In an interview with GMA News, Cruz advised adults who have symptoms to wear face masks at home and when going outside, more so in the presence of the children who have yet to be vaccinated against the disease.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has declared a pertussis
outbreak in the city after 23 cases were reported as of March 20.
Pertussis is a contagious lung disease by a bacteria called
Bordetella pertussis, according to the local Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Four babies less than six months old have reportedly died due to the infection.
Cruz warned against exposing the babies to crowded areas or near infection persons.
He added that adults may also get infected with pertussis but will only have minor symptoms if they have already been vaccinated.