DoH-3 warns against meningococcemia

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Health (DoH) in Region 3 advised residents of Central Luzon to guard against the dreaded meningococcemia disease as the region has registered rising cases this year.

A total of 16 suspected meningococcemia cases with nine deaths have already been reported from 1 January to 11 November this year, alarming regional health officials as they are having problems in preventing and controlling the disease due to its sporadic nature.

According to DoH Regional Director Cesar Cassion, meningococcemia is an acute and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the bloodstream caused by Neisseria meningitides. The bacteria can be spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing foods, drinks and utensils.

DoH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) Head Jessie Fantone added that everyone can be carrier of the infection but despite its characteristics, meningococcemia is preventable.

“Unlike other diseases which have prolonged exposure, its clinical course usually lasts only for a few hours or few days,” Fantone said.

“Since this can be transmitted through respiratory droplet, we need to avoid crowded places, close contact with infected patients, and sharing of utensils or anything that has been in the mouth of an infected person,” he added.

The DoH chief advised that cleaning their environment, proper handwashing and coughing etiquette can be helpful in preventing the spread of the disease.

“Proper nutrition to boost one’s immune system, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are also steps to prevent meningococcemia,” the RESU chief added.

DoH also assured the public that they are strengthening their surveillance system and augmentation of prophylaxis to tertiary hospitals that cater to suspected meningococcemia cases.

Signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, sore throat, other respiratory symptoms, pinpoint rashes and severe skin lesions. In severe cases, the disease may even result to death.