Zamboanga boy dies of meningococcemia

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Health authorities confirmed yesterday that a nine-year-old boy died of meningococcemia while confined at a government hospital here.

City Health Officer Dr. Rodelyn Agbulos identified the victim as Raymond Cayona, 9, a resident of Barangay Sta. Catalina.

Agbulos disclosed that Cayona had high fever and developed rashes for three days before he was brought to the Zamboanga City Medical Center on Saturday where he expired barely hours after he was admitted for confinement.

Based on the findings of his physicians, the victim showed signs and symptoms of meningococcemia.

"It was a confirmed clinical case of meningococcemia," Agbulos said. However, he said it will still take time to grow the blood culture.

Cayona was the second victim of the deadly virus this year in the city and the sixth case since last year.

Sta. Catalina Barangay Councilor Jimmy Villaflores said the family of the victim and his playmates who had contact with him were given oral prophylaxis to contain the disease.

Villaflores said Cayona’s remains was buried Sunday despite heavy rains upon the advise of the health authorities to avert infection of others.

Villaflores said the neighbors of Cayona did not hesitate to assist his family during the funeral.