(UPDATES) THE Department of Health (DoH) on Thursday said the code blue alert on pertussis and measles has been lifted due to the decline in the number of infections, following intensified vaccination efforts nationwide.
It added that intensive jab campaigns, combined with the establishment of public health emergency operations centers, were instrumental in the successful containment of the two diseases.
'This marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to Filipino health,' Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.
Recent statistics indicate a 38 percent reduction in pertussis cases between May 12 and May 25, compared to the previous two weeks. Similarly, measles-rubella cases have stabilized, showing a 37 percent decline over the same period, the DoH said.
From April 28 to May 11, there were 301 reported cases of pertussis, which decreased to 187 cases from May 12 to May 25, 2024 — a 38 percent reduction. During the same period, nationwide, it added.
Measles-rubella cases dropped from 283 to 178, marking a 37 percent decrease.
In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, cases have declined significantly from 86 to 36, reflecting a 58 percent decrease over the corresponding periods.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and is highly contagious, while measles begins in the respiratory tract and spreads systemically.