Iloilo: A 58-year-old man succumbed to suspected meningococcemia, according to the initial report received by the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) from the district hospital and the rural health unit of the Municipality of Miagao.

According to Philippines News Agency, the patient started experiencing fever and body pain on July 30, which persisted until August 2, this time with ‘purpuric rash and reduced sensorium,’ said Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the health service delivery division of IPHO on Monday. ‘He was brought to Miagao first aid clinic but was referred immediately to the nearest district hospital, where he was admitted. Despite the management, the patient died on August 3,’ Labis said in a media interview.

A specimen was taken from the patient and sent to the Department of Health (DOH) for confirmatory testing with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Manila. The local government of Miagao also identified 10 close contacts at the rural health unit who handled the patient, while those exposed from the household and community are being checked. They were also provided with antibiotic prophylaxis for protection against the disease. He added that, so far, all close contacts have not shown signs or symptoms.

‘Meningococcemia is a contagious bacterial infection. It can spread through respiratory droplets when the infected patient coughs or sneezes, during close contact like kissing and sharing of utensils, or in the same room with the infected person,’ Labis explained. Symptoms appear two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria and are non-specific at the start, like fever, body pain, and vomiting. As the infection progresses, patients can develop a purpuric rash from reddish to violet. If left unattended, it may cause multi-organ failure, while others suffer meningitis.

‘Meningococcemia is a medical emergency, and the patient has to be admitted immediately for supportive care,’ he added. The medical officer emphasized that as a prevention measure, the public is encouraged to always listen and get their information from trusted sources like the DOH, IPHO, their local government unit, and trusted media partners. He also urged the observance of minimum public health standards.