SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation is monitoring for pertussis (whooping cough) in the CNMI after Guam confirmed a case on Oct. 13. As of Oct. 22, there are no confirmed pertussis cases in the CNMI, CHCC said
CHCC described pertussis as a highly contagious respiratory illness spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Early symptoms can mirror a common cold; runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild cough that may linger, before some patients progress to rapid, violent coughing fits that can produce a characteristic “whoop.” Infants under one year, people with weakened immune systems, and those with moderate to severe medically treated asthma face higher risk for severe disease.
Vaccination remains the best protection, CHCC noted, pointing residents to routine DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) for children under seven and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) for those seven and older (including a booster for adults every 10 years and during each pregnancy at 27–36 weeks). CHCC also urged the community to stay current on routine vaccinations such as influenza, MMR, and varicella.
No-cost DTaP/Tdap and other routine vaccines are available to eligible children through the Vaccines for Children program at the CHCC Immunization Clinic, Children’s Clinic, Rota Health Center, and the Lucia Chiang Villagomez Arizapa Health Center, with additional access via VFC providers including Medical Associates of the Pacific, Marianas Medical Center, Kagman Isla Community Health, Southern Isla Community Health, and Tinian Isla Community Health. Adults 19 and older or insured individuals should contact their provider about availability and eligibility. For information or appointments, call (670) 236-8745, visit chcc.health, or follow @cnmichcc on Facebook and Instagram.
