In a follow-up on the pertussis, or whooping cough outbreak, especially in the areas of the Comarca Ngäbe Buglé, Panamanian health officials (computer translated) report the outbreak in the Comarca, which began at the end of last year has grown to 95 confirmed cases, of which 84 recovered and 11 died.
In 2019, at the national level, there have been 11 cases of pertussis including two deaths, distributed as follows: Metropolitan Region 7 cases, Panama East 2 cases and Coclé 2 cases.
Pertussis is an infectious-contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract, caused by bacteria and preventable by vaccination. Appearance is possible at any age, but children under five are the most affected.
It is characterized, at the beginning, by catarrhal symptoms and then, it can evolve to a persistent cough and lack of air especially in the minors.
It is recommended to the general population:
1. Go to the nearest health facility to review and update your vaccination schedule, especially pregnant women and children under five years of age, since vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease, and it can be applied in all ages and it’s free.
2. In the presence of symptoms, go to the nearest health facility for proper and prompt care and comply with medical instructions.
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