Mayor says no meningo outbreak in Valenzuela

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian has sought to allay fears among his constituents even as city health officials reported the city’s first case of meningococcemia this year.

"There is no cause for alarm or worry. We assure the public that we are doing everything under the circumstances to prevent any further incidence. We are happy to announce, too, that the patient is already displaying signs of recovery. Her doctors have confirmed her health is improving," Gatchalian said.

Dr. Manuel Mapue, Valenzuela City epidemiologist, said there is nothing to be alarmed about, saying the incident is isolated and normal. According to historical experience, the city has an average of two cases a year. Mapue said the last reported death in the city due to the disease was in 2004.

Mapue said the patient, who was suffering from acute malnutrition, was first taken to two local "herbolarios" or "hilot" last Friday then to the Barangay Punturin health center.

At 8 a.m. last Saturday, the patient, who was already nursing a high fever, was taken to a private clinic, was diagnosed as afflicted with dengue and was taken to the Valenzuela General Hospital. There, she was diagnosed as showing signs and symptoms of meningo and was transferred to San Lazaro Hospital, a center for infectious diseases.

"Health authorities at the San Lazaro Hospital have clinically confirmed that the girl was afflicted with meningococcemia," Mapue said.

By "clinically confirmed," Mapue pointed out that the diagnosis was based on signs and symptoms specific to meningo.

Mapue told The STAR in an interview that he led a team to Punturin and gave medication to direct or close family members earlier exposed to the patient.

Mapue said malnourished children or adults with debilitating or weak resistance often become victims of the meningococcemia virus.

He added that the city health office is conducting a regular surveillance or monitoring, even on weekends, and that a continuing information and education campaign is in place to address the health needs of the city residents. – Jerry Botial