DOH alarmed over suspected ‘meningo’ death in Ecija

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Central Luzon director of the Department of Health (DOH) has expressed apprehension over a suspected meningococcemia case — the sixth death in the region this year — which was reported in Laur, Nueva Ecija last Sept. 10.

"The (results of) tests on his blood (will) be released in a week’s time, but the symptoms strongly indicated that it was a case of meningococcemia," Dr. Juvencio Ordona, DOH regional director, said of the 30-year-old resident of Barangay Cuatro, Laur town.

The symptoms included flu-like fever and "violative" skin rashes, he said.

The first confirmed meningococcemia fatality recorded in the region last February was a 12-year-old girl from Barangay Caridad Norte in Llanera, Nueva Ecija.

The others were a 25-year-old male from Barangay Balut in Pilar, Bataan last May; an 11-year-old girl from Barangay San Vicente in Macabebe, Pampanga last June; and two adults from San Miguel, Bulacan last July.

Ordona, however, said that while the Macabebe girl’s case strongly indicated meningococcemia, there were no conclusive findings.

No blood samples, meanwhile, were taken from the victims in Llanera, Nueva Ecija and Pilar, Bataan since their families immediately buried them.

"What concerns us is that meningococcemia is highly transmissible and highly fatal," Ordona said.

He said people who had had close contact with the fatalities were all quarantined for one to two weeks and given antibiotics.

Earlier, Dr. Rio Magpantay, a DOH epidemiologist, said there was no cause for alarm over the reported cases since those who were identified as having had close contact with the victims were given prophylaxis, or medical treatment, even before they could show any signs of the illness.

He also described the meningococcemia cases in Central Luzon as "sporadic."

Magpantay said 20 to 40 percent of the general population carries the meningococcemia bacteria in the upper respiratory system, but does not get ill because of a strong immune system.

"Proper diet is a preventive measure against the bacterial ailment. It is also good to rest when tired and to avoid crowded places," he said.

Early this year, Baguio City was hounded by an upsurge of suspected meningococcemia cases, causing a heavy toll on its tourism industry. — Ding Cervantes