Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a distinctive "whooping" sound when the patient struggles to breathe. While primarily affecting infants and young children, pertussis can also impact adolescents and adults. This highly contagious bacterial infection is transmitted through person-to-person contact, commonly via coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected individual. In some cases, it may spread through contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the nose or mouth.

As of2024, the Philippines is facing a significant surge in pertussis cases, presenting challenges for public health authorities and communities nationwide. According to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, there have been 1,112 reported cases of pertussis from January to March, marking a substantial increase compared to the same period last year, which recorded only 32 cases. Approximately 70% of these cases required hospitalization, with 54 resulting in fatalities. The World Health Organization's Regional Office in the Western Pacific (WPRO) emphasized on April 5, 2024, that both measles and pertussis have emerged as major concerns in several countries due to disruptions in routine vaccination caused by COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.