No meningococcemia outbreak nationwide, DOH says

MANILA, Philippines — There is no reported outbreak of meningococcemia in the country, the Department of Health assured the public Thursday.

DOH made the statement in response to claims that there is an outbreak of the infectious disease nationwide following the death of a two-year-old girl in Valenzuela City who allegedly contracted the said disease.

“There is no reported meningococcemia outbreak in the country,” DOH said.

The department, however, said it is investigating the death of the child “who exhibited signs and symptoms of the disease.”

“Our team has collected laboratory specimens and is still awaiting results as of this writing. We are closely coordinating with our regional office for contact tracing,” it said.

The local government of Valenzuela earlier said the alleged meningococcemia case in Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital was declared negative.

Meningococcemia is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitis. Common early symptoms include fever, headache, rash consisting of small spots, nausea, irritability and anxiety.

At least 200 cases of meningococcemia are recorded annually in the Philippines, according to DOH.