The Department of Health (DOH) calls it a "code blue" alert in Calabarzon, as the agency continues its efforts to combat the rise of pertussis cases in the region.
In a Code Blue Alert, LGUs and health facilities are expected to provide surveillance reports on pertussis cases to the Incident Command Systems to facilitate timely updates and data analysis.
The DOH has activated its Incident Management Team (IMT), while local health offices are urged to actively report suspected and confirmed cases of pertussis within 24 hours to prevent the virus from further spreading.
“We highly encourage local health personnel to co-locate because one of our findings upon institutionalizing local government units in terms of DRRM-H (disaster risk reduction and management in health) is that they are located within the operations center,” Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (RDRRM-H) officer-in-charge Joehl Francisco said.
The DOH Calabarzon and its local counterparts will adopt the "Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Test-Reintegrate" (PDITR) strategy on top of other infection prevention control measures, a measure first implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The health department also reminded health facilities to implement infection prevention control protocols, such as proper disposal of infectious wastes.
“Infection prevention and control, as well as physical distancing inside health facilities are very important. The public is also encouraged to wear face masks to prevent infection, especially in large gatherings,” the health officer said.
Other precautions to observe include proper and regular handwashing, keeping infants and children away from individuals with suspected symptoms, and having their children vaccinated.
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