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11-month-old baby dies of suspected meningococcemia in CamSur


 
 
Health authorities in San Fernando town in Camarines Sur are taking precautions after an 11-month-old baby girl died of suspected meningococcemia last week.
 
The baby, who died last March 17, had symptoms such as pinpoint rashes, fever and difficulty in breathing, GMA Bicol's Elmer Caseles reported Monday on GMA News TV's "Balita Pilipinas Ngayon."
 
"Nakita ko yung baby talagang may mga pinpoint rashes sa ulo at sa katawan. Restless na siya at nangingitim na," said Michelle Notado, the midwife who took care of the baby.
 
A certification from the baby's physician indicated the symptoms she suffered from were consistent with possible meningococcemia.
 
The DOH in Bicol also said there is a possibility this was a case of bacterial infection stemming from a contaminated environment.
 
For its part, the Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance is investigating the case.
 
"Consistent with a manifestation of meningococcemia," said Marjorie Villegas, public health nurse of the San Fernando Municipal Health Office.
 
Buried immediately
 
The baby was buried on Thursday, even as the local health office acquired medicines and administered them to those who had been in close contact with the baby, as a precaution.
 
Also, health office personnel briefed residents of Barangay Beberon about meningococcemia, so residents would not be alarmed.
 
The DOH reminded residents to consult a doctor soonest if they have experienced fever for several days.
 
"Yung personal proper hygiene, even that simple proper handwashing, tapos yung environmental sanitation. Ang dami ng mape-prevent ang sakit na yan," said Dr. Gloria Balboa, regional director for DOH Bicol.
 
DOH: meningococcemia symptoms, precautions
 
Meningococcemia is an acute and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the bloodstream, the DOH said.
 
Bacteria frequently live in a person’s upper respiratory tract without causing visible signs of illness, it added.
 
The DOH said it can be spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing foods, drinks, and utensils.
 
 
  • Fever
  • Cough, sore throat, other respiratory symptoms
  • Pinpoint rashes, which become wider and appear like bruises starting from the legs and arms (large
  • maplike bruise-like patches)
  • Severe skin lesions, which may lead to gangrene
  • Unstable vital signs
  • May or may not have signs of meningitis, such as stiff neck, convulsion (in some cases), delirium, altered mental status, and vomiting
 
"Immediately consult the doctor if you are in areas where there are meningococcemia cases. Consult also if you have been to these places in the past 10 days; and manifest fever and other signs and symptoms mentioned," the DOH said.
 
The DOH advised:
 
  • Have yourself immunized with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine (per doctor’s advice).
  • Avoid crowded places.
  • Avoid close contacts with meningococcemia patients.
  • Increase resistance by having healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest/sleep.
  • Do not drink alcohol and do not smoke.
  • Maintain clean environment/surroundings.
  • Do not share utensils or anything else that has been in the mouth of an infected person.
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water
 
 
— Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News
Tags: meningococcemia, camarinessur
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