KUCHING: No serious cases of pertussis or whooping cough have been reported in Sarawak thus far, said Health Deputy Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection which is often marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like ‘whoop’.
Lukanisman said a total of 343 cases with 24 fatalities were reported nationwide.
“What is concerning is the fact that out of the 343 cases reported, 173 are babies and infants aged five months and below.
“There is a need for awareness on the importance of ensuring infants complete their vaccination.
“For now, Sarawak has not experienced any critical cases and the situation (in the state) remains under control,” he said during a press conference after officiating at the C-HAT at School Intervention Programme launch today (Aug 29) at SK St Thomas here.
At the same time, Lukanisman said the media needs to play a role in raising awareness about vaccination programmes especially for high-risk groups and encourage parents to get their babies and infants vaccinated.
“Vaccination is crucial and the ministry is currently actively cooperating as well as engaging with the media to spread awareness on the need to get babies and infants vaccinated as early as possible.
“However, we need to acknowledge the existence of anti-vaccination sentiments within Malaysian society and parents who are not aware of whooping cough vaccination for their babies and infants,” he said.
Sarawak only recorded 11 cases of mild whooping cough from January to August this year.
Four cases were reported in Kapit, three in Miri, two in Bintulu whereas Sibu and Kuching reported one each.
