Friday, January 07, 2005
Health agency 6 issues advisory on meningococcemia
THOUGH there is no confirmed case yet of meningococcemia in Western Visayas, the Department of Health (DOH) 6 has advised Ilonggos to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the dreaded disease.
This came after an eight-year-old boy in Bacolod City reportedly died of meningococcemia.
Attending physicians, however, are still determining the cause of the boy's death.
Meningococcemia, a blood infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides, is the same bacteria that causes meningicoccal meningitis, which brings potentially fatal infection in the blood, lining of the brain, and the spinal cord.
Deaths have been reported in the Cordillera Region, particularly in Baguio City since late last year.
As of Tuesday, health officials already recorded 28 meningococcemia cases in the area, claiming 13 lives. Another 15 patients, meanwhile, recovered from the bacterial disease.
In Malabon City, residents of Kaunlaran Village were alarmed after a baby in the neighborhood, six-month-old Mark Jobert Pacios, reportedly died of meningococcemia.
If diagnosed early, the disease could be treated even by penicillin, the cheapest known antibiotic. The antibiotic is administered usually through intravenous injection.
DOH 6 said signs and symptoms include fever, stiff neck, delirium, vomiting, coughing, convulsion (in some, pinpoint rashes that become wider and appear like bruises, altered mental status, and unstable vital signs).
However, some of these signs and symptoms may not be apparent until diagnosed.
Close and direct physical contact such as coughing, sneezing, and kissing can cause the bacteria to spread from an infected person to another.
It can also spread through saliva when sharing items such as food or drinks, cups, utensils, and drinking straws.
If someone is suspected of having the disease, bring him/her to the hospital immediately.
Early recognition of the infection and prompt treatment improves the chances of survival.
(January 7, 2005 issue)
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