Woman dies of meningococcemia in Batangas; another suspected case emerges —DOH

Another suspected case of meningococcemia was reported in Batangas on Thursday after a woman diagnosed with the same infection died two weeks ago, according to the Department of Health regional office in Calabarzon.

"'Yun 'yung fifth case na suspect, galing diyan sa Nasugbu. 'Yun 'yung latest, ipinadala na siya kaninang umaga sa San Lazaro [Hospital]," DOH Calabarzon Regional Director Dr. Eduardo Janairo told GMA News Online in a phone interview.

The 16-year-old female is still under observation and specimen will be taken from her to confirm if she indeed has meningococcemia, he added.

Dr. Janairo said that prior to this case, a 53-year-old woman from Tanauan City died and tested positive for the disease.

"Nagkaroon siya ng mga rashes na kulay bluish, galing siya sa lagnat na medyo mataas, 39°C... Sinuspetsa agad na meningococcemia dahil sa headache, matindi ang sakit ng ulo, at saka 'yung likod ng batok niya parang naninigas," he said.

"That happened September 20, the following day namatay 'yung pasyente and then 10 days after na-confirm na meningococcemia siya," he added, noting that the disease can be very fatal to immunocompromised patients.

Three other patient deaths in the province due to suspected meningococcemia were also reported in a row from September 27 to 29, according to Janairo.

They were identified as a one-year-old boy from Lian, a two-year-old girl from Nasugbu, and a 43-year-old man from San Jose.

Test results from their specimen will be released by the Research Institute For Tropical Medical Medicine next week.

Meningococcemia is a fatal bacterial infection of the blood caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.

It is transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or reusing eating utensils that were exposed to infected persons.

Meningococcemia symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, rashes, bruises, stiff neck, convulsions, and vomiting.

"Marami ngayong cases ng respiratory disease dahil taglamig na tayo ngayon. Climate-related 'yung disease na 'yan," Janairo said.

He also advised the public to avoid crowded areas and strengthen their immune system to avoid contracting the disease. —KBK, GMA News