Be Alert, Cough Rejan That Is Not Immediately Handled Can Be Fatal

JAKARTA - Snack cough disease, or known as pertussis, is not just an ordinary health disorder. If left without proper treatment, this disease can cause serious complications that result in death, especially in infants and children under the age of two.

"Pertusis is a real threat to children. Parents must be vigilant because this disease can end fatally," said Head of the Tangerang City Health Office, dr. Dini Anggraeni, in Tangerang, Friday.

Pertussis is a respiratory tract infection caused by the Bordetella bacteria pertussis. Its typical symptoms include prolonged cough accompanied by distinctive high breath sounds. Other initial symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, red eyes, and fever.

The definition of a pertussis suspect includes someone who has been coughing continuously for at least two weeks accompanied by one of the following symptoms: coughing, vomiting after coughing, or vomiting for no apparent reason.

If not treated immediately, coughing can cause various complications such as dehydration, difficulty breathing, weight loss, pneumonia, seizures, kidney disorders, to lack of oxygen to the brain.

To prevent this disease, dr. Dini suggested that people implement clean and healthy living behavior (PHBS), comply with health protocols, and provide complete DPT-HB-Hib immunization according to schedule for infants and children.

"If there are children or residents who have coughs with characteristic Pertussis characteristics, immediately report them to the nearest health center so that they get intensive treatment," he added.