Learn about�Pertussis

DOH Center for Health Development - Caraga

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Pertussis or “Whooping Cough” is a highly contagious disease caused by a bacteria. It is transmitted through droplets that are carried in the coughed or sneezed by a sick individual.

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Pertussis

Department of Health

/doh.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines

Pertussis usually spreads fast because symptoms are mild in the early phase of disease but the person may already infect others during this phase.

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Pertussis

Department of Health

/doh.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines

Symptoms and treatment of Pertussis takes months and the complications caused by the disease is most fatal for infants and babies.

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Pertussis

Department of Health

/doh.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines

A person sick from Pertussis may infect up to 18 other people. The risk of death is highest for infants and babies.��Individuals experiencing coughs for at least 2 weeks must be brought to the nearest health center for examination.

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Department of Health

/doh.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines

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Symptoms:

• Early symptoms of Pertussis may be mild and seem like Flu such as:
• Runny or Stuffy-nose
• Fever
• Mild Coughs
• Difficulty Breathing or Pauses in Breathing (Apnea)

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• However, the cough caused by Pertussis can last months and

progress to more severe complications:

• High-pitched, “whooping” sounds from breathing
• Vomiting after a fit of coughs
• Difficulty breathing, Cyanosis or turning blue

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Symptoms

Department of Health

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Republic of the Philippines

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Complications:

• Pneumonia
• Convulsions
• Death

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Complications

Department of Health

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Republic of the Philippines

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This is what “Whooping Cough” sounds like

Babies may not cough but instead experience apnea or pauses in their breathing that can cause their death due to shortness in breath.

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If a child turns blue or black due to shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, they must be brought to a health center immediately.

Department of Health

/doh.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines

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Prevention

Vaccines remain to be the best protection from severe cases of Pertussis.

Department of Health

/doh.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines

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Prevention

Measures to prevent spread of disease:

1. Wearing Face masks are encouraged especially when sick;
2. Practice proper respiratory etiquette;
3. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently; and
4. Limit interaction with others when sick; at
5. Consult with the nearest Health Center if coughs last at least 2 weeks or more.

Department of Health

/doh.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines

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Pertussis can be cured with antibiotics when it is detected early that’s why early consultation is important.

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If not managed early, treatment for Pertussis takes months. Aside from the patient, close contacts will also be treated with Antibiotics.

Treatment

Department of Health

/doh.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines

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It is important to follow and finish the prescribed treatment and dosage of antibiotics to avoid antimicrobial resistance.

Treatment

Department of Health

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Republic of the Philippines

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• Children presenting with fever, cough, and sore throat should not be allowed to attend classes and should be examined by a doctor;

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• Complete all 3 doses of the vaccine for children under 2 years of age to give them protection against severe disease.

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During Outbreaks:

Department of Health

/doh.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines

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Sa panahon ng outbreak

• Ang mga batang may lagnat, ubo, at pananakit ng lalamunan ay inaabisuhang huwag pumasok ng paaralan at dapat masuri ng doktor

• Kumpletuhin ang tatlong dosis ng bakuna para sa mga mga batang wala pang 2-taong gulang upang maprotektahan mula sila sa malubhang sakit.

Department of Health

/doh.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines

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Department of Health

/doh.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines