LEGAZPI CITY –– No travel and trade restrictions would be imposed on anyone because of a suspected case of meningococcemia, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Masbate said Thursday in a press release.
Health officials were still trying to confirm if the death of the 7-year-old child from Cataingan town in Masbate was a case of meningococcemia.
Dr. Oscar Acuesta, officer-in-charge at PHO Masbate said the classroom in Emilio S. Boro Central School, the residence of the victim, and the hospital have been fumigated to prevent the spread of the suspected disease.
“The suspected case of meningococcemia in the province of Masbate is not yet confirmed. It is an isolated case. No significant travel and trade restrictions,” Acuesta said in the press release.
All the close contacts of the victim have also been given prophylaxes, he said.
Meningococcemia is a life-threatening bacterial infection of the bloodstream that spreads through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing food, drinks, and utensils with infected patients.
Signs and symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms; rashes that widen and appear like bruises on legs and arms; skin lesions that may lead to gangrene; unstable vital signs; and signs of meningitis like stiff neck, convulsions, delirium, altered mental status, and vomiting.
Kenn Nuyda, Department of Health Bicol’s Health Education and Promotion officer, said early recognition of meningococcemia and prompt treatment with penicillin would improve a patient’s chance of survival.
He added that residents of areas with meningococcemia cases, or those who have been to these places in the past 10 days, should immediately consult doctors.
Prevention of the meningococcemia is possible through immunization; avoiding crowded places; avoiding contact with meningococcemia patients; increasing resistance by having healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep and rest; avoiding alcohol drinking and smoking; maintaining a clean environment; non-sharing of utensils or anything that has been in the mouth of a patient; and frequently washing of hands with soap and water, Nuyda added. (Editor: Leti Z. Boniol)