Maria Carmela Villania-Mamauag, MD, FPPS

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐀 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐁𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃
27 March 2024

The Department of Health (DOH) continues to monitor and act on Pertussis (Filipino: Ubong Dalahit, o Tusperina) in the country.

National data show 28 new cases recorded from March 10 to 16, bringing the total to 568 from January 1 to March 16, 2024. Forty Pertussis deaths have been reported. The total number of cases for the same time period in 2023 was only 26, making this year’s tally to date more than 20 times from that of last year.

Regions with the most number of local government units showing case increases thus far are: CALABARZON, Metro Manila, Western Visayas, MIMAROPA, and Central Visayas. Metro Manila accounted for 27% (58 cases) of the total confirmed cases among all regions.

Of the total Pertussis cases thus far recorded, at least six out of ten (356, 62.7%) were infants below 6 months of age. Three out of four (270, 75.8%) of these infants were either unvaccinated, or had an unknown vaccination history. Of the total number of cases regardless of age, close to seven out of ten (384, 67.6%) were either unvaccinated, or had an unknown vaccination history.

On a biweekly basis, the number of new Pertussis cases did rise from the weeks of February 4 and 11 (122 cases) to the weeks of February 18 and 25 (149 cases). This has gone down to only 73 new cases in the weeks of March 3 and 10. While this may show an improvement, the DOH is cautious in interpreting the trend as the number of cases may still change as there may be late consultations and reports.

Pertussis starts as a mild cough and cold that lasts about two weeks, followed by paroxysms or fits of coughing which lasts up to six weeks. There is a characteristic “whooping” or high pitched sound (“huni”) in between coughs, especially when inhaling. There can also be vomiting immediately after coughing, and low-grade fever. Infants may not present with cough; instead, they may turn cyanotic or bluish when coughing.

Compared to cough found in other diseases, the distinct “whoop” or high pitched sound of Pertussis is unique. Bronchial asthma may also have a similar sound, but only during asthma attacks and often without fever or the other symptoms.

Pertussis is caused by bacteria – either Bordetella pertussis, or Bordetella parapertussis. Antibiotics are available and effective against them. A doctor will prescribe a course of treatment that should start as early as possible. Depending on the antibiotic used and the age and condition of the patient, treatment may run from 4 to 14 days. It is important to consult a doctor and use antibiotics only as prescribed. Do not self-medicate, and always complete the number of days.

Pertussis is a respiratory disease. It is transmitted from person to person through coughing or sneezing. This transmission may be prevented by good respiratory hygiene: cover coughs and sneezing – do so into disposable tissues/wipes, or the elbow or upper arm (not hands). Wash hands often, or use alcohol if soap and water are not readily available.

Vaccination is safe and effective against Pertussis. As of March 25, there are 64,400 doses of “pentavalent” vaccines in the country. The DOH is expecting 3 million more pentavalent doses arriving at the soonest possible time.

Pentavalent vaccines include protection against “DPT” (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus), in addition to Hepatitis B and Hemophilus influenza type B. Infants as young as 6 weeks may already be given this vaccine for free at government health centers. Children from 1-6 years of age may get a booster dose. Older children, as well as adults are advised to consult a doctor or health center for advice on the appropriate vaccine. Pregnant women may ask about the “Tdap” vaccine, which allows for protection of their soon to be born babies against Pertussis.

“The medical field has known Pertussis for a long time now. We have antibiotics that can treat it. Vaccines are safe and effective against whooping cough; DOH is redistributing on hand doses to where they are needed the most. In consultation with President Marcos, I have already ordered to fast-track the arrival of 3 million more doses. Please be assured while also being alert. We can fight this,” said Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa.

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For the latest updates on health-related matters, please stay connected to our official channels or visit https://doh.gov.ph/news/press-releases/ for more information.

Let’s keep our children protected

Magandang araw! Kami po sa Section of Development and Behavioral Pediatrics ng National Children’s Hospital ay inaanyayahan ang mga magulang at tagapag-alaga ng mga batang may Autism Spectrum Disorder sa isang libreng workshop na pinamagatang,
“Mga Gabay at Tagubilin: A Parent Training Workshop for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”
Ito po ay gaganapin sa darating na Miyerkules, January 31, 2023, 8 AM
Via Zoom at Facebook Live
NCH-Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: NCH-CDC Mga Gabay at Tagubilin: A Parent Training Workshop for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Time: Jan 31, 2024 08:00 AM Singapore
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88958080798...
Meeting ID: 889 5808 0798
Passcode: 073622
Magkita-kita po tayong bukas. Maraming salamat po!

My precious Christmas baby is finally going home after 12 days…🥰🥰🥰

Thank you very much Nicutes for the ”walang kukurap” duties para lang mabantayan ang heart rate ni baby…❤️❤️❤️ Kelangan lagi nililigalig si baby kasi bumababa ang heart rate nya lalo kapag mahimbing ang tulog.😬😬😬

It broke my heart na hindi ko napagbigyan ang request ng parents to bring Baby home for the New Year…😓😓😓 but then naiyak ako sa tuwa ng magsend sila ng photo na they spent the New Year’s Eve sa hospital just so magkakasama pa din sila…🥰🥰🥰

To all my facebook friends:

Someone is trying to gain access to my facebook account. I have received 2 emails with recovery codes to change my password.

I will never ask or borrow anything from anybody especially money. If you receive any request from me, please report po, that is not me.

Welcome to the outside world Baby Aleria! 😘😘😘

wag na iyak anak, hindi pwede lagi buhat, medyo magaan ka pa naman 🫣😅

BW 3.625kg (7.99 lbs - nahiya pa sa 0.01 😅)

Meet my preemie warrior…🥰🥰🥰
Baby Isla was born at 33-34 weeks to a first time mom via emergency CS due to severe preeclampsia. Birth weight of 1.3kg, discharged on the 48th hour of life, unremarkable.

Saw her 3 days after discharge with dad and lola (si mommy kasi nakaadmit ulet for hypertension), no problems so far. Message message lang si mommy for some minor concerns, otherwise nothing eventful.

Saw her again yesterday this time kasama na si Mommy na pretty as ever kahit bangag bangag sa pag-alaga kay baby (buti pa nga si mommy naka make up, ang Pedia wala, hehehe 😂). This is her 6th week of life, sobrang saya ko kasi may cheeks na sya at may double chin, and weight was already 3kg.

Thank you for visiting Baby Isla and Mommy Sha. Kahit na ubusan na ng laway sa clinic these days sa sobrang daming consults, nakakatuwa na makita kayo. Kung alam nyo lang bongga ang takot ko at abot abot ang panalangin ko, dahil pinauwi ko kayo nuon na 1.3kg lang si baby, mas malaki at mabigat pa ang bote ng coke na 1.5L 😬🫣

⚠️Taal Volcano Smog Advisory⚠️

QCitizens, narito ang ilang paalala at hakbang upang maprotektahan ang sarili mula sa epekto ng smog:

✅Manatili sa loob ng bahay, at isara ang mga pinto at bintana. Limitahan ang paglabas ng bahay at outdoor activities kung hindi kinakailangan.

✅Magsuot ng face mask kung lalabas ng bahay.

✅Uminom ng maraming tubig upang maibsan ang iritasyon o paninikip ng daluyan ng paghinga.

✅Magtungo agad sa pinakamalapit na health center o ospital sakaling makaramdam ng hirap sa paghinga o iba pang kondisyong dulot ng volcanic smog.

Mag-ingat po tayong lahat.

My apologies for not being able to respond immediately to your concerns and for not coming to the clinic for face-to-face consults, I have been feeling under the weather for a week already and hoping to recover soonest

ATM watching Patch Adams

One of the reasons why my journey of being a doctor felt so rewarding. Dr Patch was an inspiration to me before as a young doctor. Fast forward 10 years into being a Pediatrician, I take pride in my craft and what I have accomplished so far in my career.

Thank you Lord for the chance to be your instrument.

Posting this for everyone’s information

https://www.facebook.com/1589440877/posts/10226917427473571/?mibextid=cr9u03

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or more commonly known as Eczema, is a complex disease with an interplay of genetic and environmental factors, and a condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. While AD affects all ages, the burden of the disease is greater among children.

To all moms out there, you are great!

To the breastfeeding mom,

Don't judge the formula-feeding mom for “not getting the same bonding experience.” She may not have been able to produce enough milk. Or maybe her baby didn’t latch, and she was in pain. Or maybe she had the baby blues. She’s not lazy or a bad mom because “breast is best.” What she’s dealing with every day is harder than you know.

To the formula-feeding mom,

Don’t judge the breastfeeding mom. Don’t tell her that her baby would sleep through the night with formula or is “too skinny.” What she’s dealing with every day is harder than you know.

To the working mom,

Don’t judge the stay-at-home mom for being “just” a stay-at-home mom. Don’t assume she hangs out all day catching up on reality shows. She’s comforting her preschooler, cleaning up non-stop messes, and rocking a fussy baby to sleep. What she’s dealing with every day is harder than you know.

To the stay-at-home mom,

Don’t judge the working mom for missing out when she’s struggling to find the balance. She feels so much guilt not being able to volunteer. What she’s dealing with every day is harder than you know.

And don’t judge the mom who homeschools, co-sleeps, baby-wears, and lets her kids use iPads, etc.

There’s a lot that’s broken for mothers in our society.

No matter how she parents, being a mom is hard.

So, let's be messy together because we know:

𝗪𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐦 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐍𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬,⁣
𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐦𝐨𝐦 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭.⁣

✍️: Living FULL
📸:

for your little one’s skin care…gentle is still best ☺️

choose what’s right for our little ones 💛💛💛

Most cases are asymptomatic or show mild symptoms. But it can cause a -like illness with high fever (40°C/104°F) accompanied by two or more of the following symptoms:

🔴Headache
🔴Pain behind the eyes
🔴Nausea, vomiting
🔴Swollen glands
🔴Joint and muscle pains
🔴Rash

FYI

Back to school…please keep these in mind

Good ventilation protects you from COVID-19 infection:
✅ Open window
✅ Create a cross breeze
✅ Place a fan in front of a window facing the outside
✅ If it's very hot or cold, open windows for a few minutes every hour

Omicron is a variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. To protect yourself and others:
💉 Get vaccinated as soon as it's your turn
😷 Wear a mask
↔️ Keep physical distance and avoid crowds
🪟 Open windows
💪 Cough/sneeze into your elbow
👐 Clean your hands

your Doctor is IN

For face to face consults, well baby check ups, vaccinations - drop me a message for schedule & appointment

For teleconsultation - you may book thru any of the following:
-Healthnow
-Trinity Care
-Natrapharm HIP
-DocKoTo
-or message me directly here at my page

Stay safe ☺️☺️☺️

🌿🌼 It’s allergy season. COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share some symptoms, but not others.

Use this chart to compare the common symptoms of COVID-19 and seasonal allergies so you can tell the difference.

If you’re sick, you may need a COVID-19 test to confirm your diagnosis. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/3qEzjRD.