The Hanoi Health Department has ordered hospitals and health centres to enact prompt measures to prevent the spread of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, in the city.

The move comes after a number of children in Hanoi have recently been diagnosed with pertussis.

The Health Department told hospitals and health centres to instruct the community on ways to identify the disease and prevent its spread.

Hospitals have been asked to stock adequate medications and necessary equipment for treating patients.

Authorities are also calling on parents to bring their children to health centres for vaccinations.

Pertussis is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It is an airborne disease which spreads easily through coughs and sneezes of an infected person.

Whooping cough occurs mainly in infants and young children who are not vaccinated.-VNA