The Department of Health (DOH) CALABARZON said that there are 103 confirmed cases of pertussis or whooping cough in the region, with 173 suspected cases reported.

Laguna province has the most number of confirmed cases, totaling 24. Cavite used to have the most number. 
The breakdown of confirmed pertussis cases in CALABARZON from January 1 to April 6, 2024, is as follows:

Cavite: 22
Laguna: 24
Batangas: 19
Rizal: 20
Quezon: 7
Lucena City: 2

“On the positive note po ng pag-increase ng cases, gumaganda po 'yung surveillance side natin. Ibig sabihin po, nahuhuli po natin 'yung mga cases na talagang positive, [it means] napapa-test po agad sila,” Dr. Mark Nicholas Santos, Medical Officer IV and Family Health Cluster Head at DOH CALABARZON, said.

Meanwhile, the city of Sta. Rosa in Laguna has been placed under a state of calamity due to the rising cases of pertussis. 

The city has recorded no less than 10 confirmed cases, with four suspected cases and one reported death due to the illness.

Health authorities advise the public to continue practicing proper hand hygiene, wearing face masks, especially in crowded areas, and covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. 

Infants and children are recommended to be kept away from individuals showing symptoms of pertussis.

DOH said that vaccination remains the most effective method of prevention against the disease. Parents are encouraged to be aware of their children's vaccination status and adhere to the routine immunization schedule.