San Lazaro Hospital patient tests positive for meningococcemia

One patient in San Lazaro Hospital in Manila tested positive for meningococcemia.

According to a report by Maki Pulido in GMA News TV's Balitanghali on Friday, the patient is already recovering.

On the other hand, two other patients admitted in the hospital on Saturday with suspected meningococcemia died.

Two others had been subjected to tests and are awaiting results to confirm if they have the same bacterial infection.

"Nasa isolation sila. Ang signs and symptoms similar to that of a patient with meningococcemia," said Dr. Ferdinand De Guzman, chair of the Department of Family Medicine in San Lazaro Hospital.

A woman in Batangas died due to meningococcemia two weeks ago.

According to the Department of Health, a total of 168 cases of meningococcemia had been reported nationwide from January 1 to September 14, 2019. Eighty-eight of them died.

Meningococcemia is transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or reusing eating utensils that were exposed to infected persons.

Its symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, rashes, bruises, stiff neck, convulsions, and vomiting.

De Guzman advised the public to immediately seek medical attention once these symptoms manifest. —Dona Magsino/LBG, GMA News