The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, through the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), has confirmed there are no reports yet of whooping cough among Japanese nationals residing in the Philippines.
The illness, medically termed pertussis, is an acute respiratory infection characterized by severe coughing fits caused by infection with Bordetella pertussis bacteria.
While pertussis is a globally prevalent disease, it is showing an increasing trend in Japan in 2024 and 2025 compared with previous years. Japan recorded over 52,000 cases as of late July this year, an all-time high in the country’s public health history.
Regardless of any travel plans by their citizens, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) urges them to seek medical attention if they experience persistent coughing.
JICC Director Matsuda Shigehiro said that following the easing of public health measures for COVID-19, outbreaks of various respiratory infections and airborne infections including pertussis have been reported in many countries worldwide.
Based on Japan’s statistical studies, he explained pertussis is contracted by people of all ages, although children are the primary group affected. Diagnosis typically leads to treatment with antibiotics, with recovery occurring within approximately two to three months. However, infants may develop complications such as pneumonia, and rarely, encephalitis.
Director Matsuda noted that in Japan, the pertussis vaccine is designated as a mandatory vaccination for all children from two months to seven years old, and it is publicly funded.
“However, as cases have been reported even in those vaccinated years ago, the MHLW encourages basic infection control measures such as mask wearing and handwashing,” he added.
