MENINGOCOCCEMIA CASE. Health officials confirm during a press conference on Tuesday (September 3) that the death of a four-year-old-boy on Friday in one of the hospitals in Davao City on Friday had been related to meningococcemia. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)
DAVAO CITY--Local health officials have confirmed that the four-year-old boy, who died on Friday (August 30), is due to meningococcemia.
In a press conference, health officials said the incident is the first confirmed case of meningococcemia in the Davao Region.
However, they clarified that the incident was not a threat as it has already been contained by giving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to those in direct contact with the victim.
Dr. Jack Estuart, the attending physician of the victim, said the patient was brought to the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital at 10 a.m. on Friday and had shown symptoms of the disease.
Estuart said the patient had high fever and was vomiting. The patient died at 3 p.m. on the same day, he said.
"Right after what happened, we immediately activated protocols to protect the people around the victim," Estuart said.
Dr. Annabelle Yumang, regional director Department of Health- Davao Region (DOH-11) said they are continuously coordinating with relevant individuals for the profile of the deceased patient, including information on the places he visited and people who had physical contact with him.
"Thorough surveillance, monitoring and follow-up will be done 10 days after their last exposure to the infected person. To date, none among those who are being closely monitored are manifesting any signs nor symptoms that are similar to the case definition of the disease, " Yumang explained.
She stressed that the bacteria causing meningococcal disease is not easily transmitted.
"There has to be direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat of the infected person for someone to be at risk," she said.
Yumang also clarified that the disease can only be spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing of food, drink, and utensils.
She also urged the public to be responsible in sharing information, especially on social media.
"Help us raise awareness about the info shared on meningococcemia and please think before you post or share," she added.
Meanwhile, Jenielito Atillo, spokesperson of the Department of Education in Region 11 (DepEd-11), said Secretary Leonor Briones already has a standing order in situations that may affect the health of schoolchildren.
"If in case a student exhibited symptoms of the said disease, the standard operating procedure there is for the teacher to immediately inform appropriate authorities and inform the parents and if needed attention and medical assistance, we will bring the child to the nearest hospital," Atillo said in an interview at the sidelines of the City Council session Tuesday afternoon.
Disease awareness
Dr. Allyne Aguelo, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist said meningococcemia is an acute and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the bloodstream.
Aguelo explained that the bacteria frequently live in a person's upper respiratory tract without causing visible signs of illness.
"One of the risk factors that trigger that meningococcal disease of the patient is a previous upper respiratory tract infection," Aguelo said.
She also added that the disease can be treated at an early recognition and treatment of penicillin which can greatly improve chances of survival.
Aguelo also urged the public to increase resistance by having healthy diet, regular exercise; adequate rest or sleep and one should not drink alcoholic beverages and smoke. (PNA)
