Initial tests show no meningo

The results of the preliminary tests on the blood samples from the 1-year old infant suspected to have been afflicted with meningococcemia showed no growth yet of the Neisseria Meningitides bacteria according to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.

The infant from Quiot, Pardo was confined early Tuesday morning at the Saint Vincent Hospital along R. Landon St. after displaying symptoms of meningococcemia, an acute infection caused by the bacteria called Neisseria Meningitides.

RESU nurse Reynan Cimafranca said that after 24 hours of observation and tests, there were no signs of growth of the said bacteria, which could be an indication if the child really has meningococcemia.

Cimafranca however said that they would still have to wait for five days to see if there is growth of the bacteria or if there is presence of the said bacteria in the blood of the infant.

"There were no signs yet of the bacteria, but we can't tell yet if there is presence of meningococcus. It is still in the observatory period and we still have to wait for five days for confirmation," he said.

As of press time, Cimafranca said that the child is still in an unstable condition and still confined at the St. Vincent Hospital.

"The infant was not transferred to the Cebu Doctors University Hospital as the parents were able to secure a ventilator to help his breathing. The child is still in an unstable condition according to the attending physician," he said.

Cimafranca added that they have already conducted contact tracing among the relatives of the victim including neighbors who had close contact with the infant.

"Our city health department have already provided them prophylaxis to prevent the spread of infection as it is best to take necessary actions first before it will be too late," he said.

Confirmatory results will come out in three days according to Cimafranca. - Jasmin R. Uy