Ex-UP president Nemenzo ‘critical’ due to bacterial meningitis

Screengrab from https://polisci.upd.edu.ph

MANILA, Philippines–Former University of the Philippines (UP) president Dr. Francisco Nemenzo Jr. remains in “critical and guarded” condition after being hospitalized with a life-threatening rare infection which affects the brain and spinal cord.

Dr. Agnes Mejia, dean of the UP College of Medicine, in an update posted on the UP Diliman Department of Political Science website said on Monday that Nemenzo has been confined at the Philippine General Hospital intensive care unit since December 29 after being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

Although his condition has been stabilized, the next few days or weeks are critical for Nemenzo, Mejia said.

The infection caused him “high fever and seizures and to lapse into stupor”, she added.

Aside from having the life-threatening infection, Nemenzo was also diagnosed with diabetes, giving him a weakened immune system to fight the infection.

“He is being given antibiotics, insulin, intravenous fluids, anticonvulsants and other supportive treatment including tube feeding and ventilator support,” the dean said.

Nemenzo, who is currently a professor emeritus in the UP Diliman political acience department, served as the 18th president of UP from 1999 to 2005. He is a known social critic and a renowned scholar in the fields of revolutionary movements, militarization, and international politics.