The number of child deaths due to whooping cough in the Ngäbe Buglé region has risen to 11 said The Ministry of Health (Minsa), on Wednesday, February 11.

So far 95 cases of pertussis have been confirmed in the comarca, of which 84 are in recovery.   Whooping cough is an infectious contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract, caused by a bacterium and is preventable with vaccination.  Its appearance is possible at any age, but children under five are the most affected. 

Before theis outbreak, the Minsa recommended the population: go to the nearest health facility to review and update their vaccination schedule, especially pregnant women and children under five years. And, in the presence of symptoms, you should go to the nearest health facility for proper care.

The national director of Health, Itza Barahona de Mosca, did not rule out an increase in the figures of children killed.

He stressed that the area where the outbreak of the disease was recorded is difficult to access, which is only reached by plane or walking, and that the populations are scattered. other.

The Ministry is waiting for the last health team that entered  the mountain range to return from a  search to apply vaccines or antibiotics.