Pertussis outbreak requires stronger response

THE ongoing global outbreak of pertussis, or "whooping cough" (in Filipino, ubong dalahit, or tusperina), appears to be significantly more serious than news reports over the past three months have indicated. Although our health and other concerned authorities appear to be well aware of the problem and responding to it, there is nevertheless a concern that the actions taken so far lack the necessary level of urgency and may lead to complacency.