CEBU – The Department of Health has confirmed the first case of meningococcemia in Central Visayas following the death recently of a male patient in Cebu City.
The DOH said it is closely monitoring the victim’s family members and those who came in contact with the patient for any manifestations of the fatal disease.
Renan Cimafranca, Nurse V of the DOH-7 Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit, said the victim was a resident of Danao City.
According to Cimafranca, the immediate family members and those that handled the cadaver were given prophylaxis to prevent the development of the disease in case of exposure. The victim was immediately buried to prevent any exposure to the virulent virus.
“We are continuously monitoring the family members and others that came in contact with the victim. We are also coordinating with the Danao City Health Department to check within the vicinity where the victim lived of any manifestations of meningococcemia,” Cimafranca said.
Cimafranca said meningococcemia is a very fatal disease and if not immediately treated can result to death. “Those exposed to meningococcemia can die three to four days following the onset of symptoms.”
Cimafranca said the victim was first hospitalized at Danao City District Hospital and then brought to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City a day before he died. The victim had no travel history prompting health officials to surmise that possible exposure to the virus could just be within the area in Danao City.
Meningococcemia is a bacterial infection caused by the Neisseria meningitides bacteria. This is the same type of bacteria that causes some types of meningitis. When the bacteria infect the membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord, the infection is called meningitis. When the infection remains in the blood, but does not infect the brain or spinal cord, it is called meningococcemia.
Neisseria meningitides bacteria are common in upper respiratory tract and do not necessarily cause illness. The disease spread from person to person when someone infected with the bacteria sneezes or coughs. Although anyone can get meningococcemia, it is most common in babies, children, and young adults.
An infection by Neisseria meningitidis, whether it becomes meningitis or meningococcemia, is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention, according to the medical website Health Line.(Fayette C. Riñen)
20