Davao region has logged 52 pertussis cases from January to early April 2024, according to the Department of Health-Davao (DOH-11).

This number is much higher than the four cases recorded in the same period in 2023.

Of the 52 cases, 20 are children 10 years old and below. Four patients were confirmed to have died of the disease.

Davao del Norte has the most number of cases with 20, followed by Davao City with 13 and Davao de Oro with 12.

DOH-11 said among the reasons why the numbers are higher in 2024 are the downturn in vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic and the stigma of vaccines.

However, DOH-11 is hoping the numbers will go down as vaccination efforts are being intensified.

DOH-11 also assured that the supply of vaccines against pertussis is sufficient.

“Currently, we have around 60,000 doses all over Davao Region. It’s enough to cover,” DOH Davao Center for Health Development Medical Office IV, Dr. Janis Olavides, said.