Following the detection of two indigenous cases of whooping cough in the La Chorrera district, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) launched a house-to-house vaccination campaign as part of epidemiological investigations to identify the source of infection. The two cases are located in the Herrera and Guadalupe districts, specified Dr. Lorena Merlo, head of regional Epidemiology. The Minsa urges the population to reinforce hygiene and prevention measures, such as frequent handwashing and mask use in case of respiratory symptoms. Nursing teams are conducting a sweep to check the vaccination cards of minors and pregnant women to ensure they have received the hexavalent vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, polio, and type B influenza). Jorge Melo, director of Minsa in this province, indicated that 25 people, including women and children, were vaccinated during the first day of the campaign. He said that the possibility is being investigated that a member of the minors' family circle was in the Bocas del Toro province, where an outbreak of whooping cough was recorded, which has already been contained by Minsa. Melo indicated that once the results of the perifocal study are available, the infection mechanism can be determined.
Panama launches whooping cough vaccination after two cases detected
Panama's Health Ministry starts a house-to-house vaccination campaign in La Chorrera after detecting two local cases of whooping cough. The goal is to find the source of infection and prevent the spread of the disease. Children and pregnant women are being vaccinated.
