A public health expert has recommended the mandatory wearing of face masks in Iloilo City to prevent the further spread of pertussis, a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection.
Dr. Tony Leachon, former special adviser of the Department of Health (DOH) for non-communicable diseases, said it is “necessary” to implement the mandatory use of face masks in the city and other areas that declared a pertussis outbreak.
“I would recommend it without any hesitation because we do not have any protection right now for the kids,” he said in an interview on ANC.
The city is currently under a state of calamity due to the pertussis outbreak. It recorded 17 cases from January 1 to April 1 this year, data from the Department of Health (DOH-6) showed.
Pertussis or whooping cough can affect people of all ages but is most dangerous for infants. Its symptoms include include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a body rash.IMT
