MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DoH) lifted the Code Blue Alert in its central office in Manila on Thursday due to a decrease in pertussis and measles cases following intensified vaccination efforts nationwide.
“This marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to Filipino health,” Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said.
Recent statistics indicate a 38 percent reduction in pertussis cases between May 12 and May 25, 2024, compared to the previous two weeks. Similarly, measles-rubella cases have stabilized, showing a 37 percent decline over the same period, said DoH.
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.
The DoH acknowledged the vital contributions of local government units (LGUs), and the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Herbosa commended Incident Manager Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr., and Deputy Incident Manager and Officer-in-Charge Gloria J. Balboa for their dedicated efforts to decrease disease transmission and strengthen public health infrastructure.
