Another Danao resident hospitalized for meningo

CEBU, Philippines - A resident of Danao City is under observation for showing signs of meningococcemia less than two weeks after another resident of the city died from the ailment.

The city’s health officer, Dr. Publeo Piedad, told The Freeman that the 40-year-old resident of Barangay Taytay is now confined at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Piedad said the patient was moved to VSMMC in Cebu City from the Danao Provincial Hospital after initial examination showed signs of meningococcemia. Piedad said there is a need to conduct laboratory confirmation.

The Danao City resident who died last August 16 came from Barangay Camputatan.

Piedad said authorities are coordinating closely with the patient’s family, including officials of the Barangay Taytay.

Despite the two cases, he assured that there is no cause for alarm.

“Hinoon dili angayan nga maalarma ang atong mga kaigsoonan sa dakbayan sa Danao gumikan kay atong gibuhat ang tanan aron sa ingon malikay sila sa maong sakit ug unsa usab ang ilhanan kon sila matakbuyan sa sakit,” Piedad said.

He emphasized the need to strengthen awareness campaign about the disease at the barangay level. He said awareness would enable residents to detect signs of the disease and put preventive measures in place.

Piedad also said that those who manifest signs of the disease must be referred to a hospital immediately.

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development said signs and symptoms of meningococcemia include, among others, headache, nausea, vomiting, body pain, joint pain, dramatic increase of body temperature. If symptoms worsen, shaking, chills, high fever and presence of rashes are also observed

Meningococcemia is a contagious disease that can spread when the person infected sneeze on through respiratory secretions. The World Health Organization said it is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.

Renan Cimafranca, head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health in Central Visayas, has advised those who experience “high-grade” fever for at least two to three days to have themselves checked immediately.

He said those who are susceptible to the disease are people with weak resistance; therefore, eating right and having enough rest are important. —/JMO (FREEMAN)