New ‘meningo’ tests yield negative results

The result of the new tests conducted on the blood samples taken from a patient who died of probable of meningococcemia at a Pasay City hospital has again turned out to be negative for the disease.

Dr. Leto Mangonon, director of the Pasay City General Hospital (PCGH), said the new tests conducted by doctors of the San Juan de Dios Medical Center showed a "negative growth of bacteria" on the blood and skin samples taken from the victim.

Marjorie Florano, 35, died at the PCGH last Wednesday after she was suspected to have suffered from meningococcemia.

The patient had fever for five days before she was brought to the emergency room last Tuesday due to vomiting and dropping blood pressure.

Despite the negative result of the new tests, Mangonon said they still need some time to confirm whether or not meningococcemia was the cause of the patient’s death.

"That is why continuous tests will still be done to come up with a final result," he said.

Mangonon likewise assured the public that there is nothing to worry about since they have taken all the necessary precautions to prevent a possible spread of the disease.

He said operations at the PCGH have returned to normal and the emergency room has been admitting patients since Thursday afternoon.

A team from the Department of Health is currently conducting "contact tracing" to determine persons who came in contact with the patient so they can be given antibiotics.

The incident caused a brief scare among hospital staff, patients and residents yesterday. Nearby schools also decided to send their students home, but officials said there was no reason for alarm.

The patient was a native of Bicol and was reportedly staying in Parañaque City before she was brought and confined to the PCGH last Tuesday night.

Florano was immediately buried at the Pasay public cemetery.