Meningococcemia in Pangasinan clinically confirmed – PHO
LINGAYEN –The provincial health office (PHO) has recorded two cases of deaths by meningococcemia: one in Basista and the other in Bayambang.
Dr. Ana Teresa de Guzman, provincial health officer, said while these are merely suspected cases, it is considered clinically confirmed and a confirmation report from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) is being anticipated soon.
The first case of meningococcemia was recorded in Basista in January. The case in Bayambang involved a six year-old child who was immediately buried.
De Guzman said all the relatives of the child were provided with prophylaxis to ensure their protection.
With two cases clinically confirmed, the PHO urged the public to practice healthy hygiene in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
Meningococcemia is a rare infection caused by the neisseria meningitidis bacteria, same type of bacteria that causes meningitis. It happens when the infection remains in the blood but doesn’t infect the brain or spinal cord.
Meanwhile, the PHO is also monitoring diphteria, also a bacterial infection caused by corynebacterium diphteriae.
She said there are already confirmed five cases recorded in the province: Sta. Maria, Mapandan, San Carlos City, Alaminos City, and Urbiztondo.
De Guzman said that while diphteria can be prevented with vaccines, the Dengvaxia scare has prevented parents from having their children vaccinated. (Ahikam Pasion)
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