DOH: Don’t worry about meningo in Cordilleras

The Department of Health (DOH) gave its go-signal to vacationers to troop to the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) during the holidays, saying the upland haven is free from meningococcemia.

"There is no need to be apprehensive or even alarmed about meningococcemia in CAR. Health authorities and local government officials are on top of the situation to contain any threat," the DOH said.

The DOH issued the advisory amid mounting inquiries from the public if it was safe to vacation in the Cordilleras. The fear stemmed from the outbreak of the disease in the region in the past years.

The DOH said meningococcemia cases in CAR are "sporadic, few, far and in-between like in the other regions of the country."

"Due to the vigilance and resolve of medical authorities, local government executives and their respective units, cases continue to dramatically decline in Baguio and Benguet," the DOH said.

Meningococcemia is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever that lasts for 24 hours, purple rashes, headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and seizures.

It is transmitted through respiratory droplets from the nose and throat of infected persons.

"Visitors and residents alike should feel free to visit any place in the Cordilleras without feeling bothered. Simple, good personal hygiene like hand-washing, not sharing of utensils, covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, and observing a healthy lifestyle are effective defenses against any disease," the DOH said.