2 kids die of meningococcemia
LINGAYEN—Two school children from separate towns of Pangasinan died of meningococcemia recently, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Dr. Ma. Ana de Guzman, provincial health officer, said the fatalities were aged 9 and 12 from Dasol and Sison towns, the latest victim coming from the latter.
In 2010, one fatality from meningococcemia was recorded in the province.
De Guzman assured that the persons who came in direct contact with the two victims were given prophylaxis medicines and no other person has been afflicted since then.
The doctor also clarified that the two incidents were not possibly related as Dasol is located in western Pangasinan, near the border of Zambales province, while Sison is in the northwestern side close to the La Union border.
Meningococcemia is caused by a virus that enters through the mouth or nose of a person, affecting the throat before it enters the blood vessel. Depending on the degree of the infection, an afflicted person can die within 24 to 48 hours.
De Guzman called on the public to adopt hygienic practices as the virus can be transmitted to a healthy person by coughing or sneezing and using the utensils used by an infected person.
She added that during the rainy season when there is a higher incidence of colds and cough, people should avoid crowded areas.
Staying healthy and developing a strong body resistance could also deter the virus.
De Guzman said health educators in Pangasinan are now holding dialogues to devise a more comprehensive information-education drive to meet the threat posed by the disease.
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