Meningococcemia — what causes it, and how to avoid it

When it comes to meningococcemia, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Although the disease is not highly contagious, it can be fatal. It can spread via direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat that contain the bacteria Neisseria meningitides, according to the Department of Health.

People must avoid those who are coughing or sneezing, even if they do not exhibit other symptoms of the disease.

"Ang pinakaimportante, huwag ka masyadong malapit, para makaiwas ka kung matalsikan ka man ng laway niya or any respiratory secretions," Dr. Manuel Mapue II, Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Head of DOH-NCR, said on Unang Balita on Monday.



Meningococcemia has a carrier stage which makes it difficult to identify a person carrying the bacteria. "Mayroon ka nung mikrobyo, pero wala kang sintomas kaya mahirap malaman," he added.

According to DOH spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag, meningococcemia bacteria is found in the nose, mouth and throat of healthy persons. "About five percent of healthy persons harbor the bacteria," Tayag said in January.

The symptoms of meningococcemia include:

• high fever
• headache
• stiff neck
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• convulsions
• vomiting
• unstable vital signs
• coughing
• rashes

Rashes associated with meningococcemia are purple and, unlike other rashes, do not turn white when pressure is applied, Mapue explained.

Because their resistance is lower, children are more vulnerable to the disease, but people of all ages can be affected. Five to 15 percent of those with meningococcemia die within 24 to 48 hours, the doctor said.

Earlier this week, a six-year-old boy in Quezon City succumbed to the disease two days after exhibiting symptoms.

Last month, a four-year-old girl in Sorsogon also died after showing symptoms of meningococcemia.

In January, officials in Marikina City adopted "protective" measures against the disease after a four-year-old boy from Rizal province died while being treated in Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center.

Those with symptoms must immediately be brought to the nearest health care facility. According to the DOH, penicillin kills meningococcal bacteria that have invaded the body. "Early recognition of meningococcal infection and prompt treatment with penicillin greatly improve chances of survival," it said.

DOH advises following these measures to avoid getting the disease:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with meningococcemia patients.
• Increase resistance by maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a nutritious, well-balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest and sleep, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
• Maintain a clean environment.
• Do not share utensils, cups, water bottles, lipstick, cigarettes, musical instruments with mouthpieces, mouth guards, or anything else that has been in the mouth of an infected person.
• Avoid crowded places.

"In general, people should not share anything that has been in their mouth," the DOH said. — Carmela G. Lapeña/BM, GMA News