No lockdown in Iloilo City amid pertussis outbreak

By Rjay Zuriaga castor  

Amid concerns about a potential recurrence of the March 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, the city government of Iloilo has clarified that no lockdown will be imposed in the city despite the declaration of an outbreak of pertussis, or whooping cough.

“Lockdown measures will not be resorted to as an outbreak response for Pertussis,” read Executive Order (EO) No. 46 signed by City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas on Wednesday, March 27.

The EO details guidelines for prevention, detection, isolation, treatment, and reintegration strategies to address the outbreak.

Iloilo City was placed under a state of calamity due to the pertussis outbreak, as contained in a resolution unanimously passed by the City Council on Tuesday, March 26.

An outbreak of the “highly contagious” respiratory infection was declared over the entire city on March 25, after the Iloilo City Health Office recorded seven confirmed cases of the 16 reported cases.

Positive cases of pertussis were recorded in the districts of Jaro, Arevalo, and Molo.

The City Council has already approved a P16.9 million fund procurement of medicines and other necessities to further prevent the spread of the infection.

The EO encouraged the public to get vaccinated against pertussis and wear face masks since the pertussis bacteria are spread through droplets produced during coughing or sneezing.

High-risk individuals include infants under 12 months, pregnant women beyond 32 weeks of gestation, and those exposed to confirmed or probable pertussis patients within 21 days.

Free consultations and immunizations for pertussis will be provided at all district health centers from Monday to Friday.

Meanwhile, for all asymptomatic household close contacts, it is recommended that an antimicrobial prophylaxis be taken within 21 days of onset of cough in the confirmed case.

The EO also directed schools and academic institutions to report students who present symptoms of pertussis to the nearest health center for proper assessment.

“Children who arrive at schools or learning centers with sore throat and fever should be discouraged from attending school and referred to the closest health center/ primary care unit for thorough evaluation and corresponding medical treatment,” the EO added.

Pertussis symptoms include persistent cough for two or more weeks, mild fever (more than 38 degrees Celsius) and runny nose.