DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) in Davao has warned the public not to cause alarm with unverified information about a suspected meningococcemia case in one of the hospitals in the city.
The reminder was prompted by reports circulating over social media that a child at Brokenshire Hospital had died due to meningococcemia.
The viral post also suggested that the disease is airborne and that people who were in the same emergency room as the patient that day had been exposed to the bacteria and are now at risk.
“There is no absolute data available now that confirms the child died of meningococcemia,” according to the statement of DOH Davao.
The agency also clarified speculations on how the disease is spread.
“The mode of transmission of Meningococcemia is through droplet and not airborne. Direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat of infected person might put someone at risk. It can also be spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing of food, drinks and utensils,” the DOH statement reads.
DOH Davao added that the hospital has strictly observed and conducted measures based on standard medical protocols to control possible infection and spread.
In a statement, Brokenshire Hospital said they are still confirming the case through laboratory examinations.
They also clarified that the patient was a “suspected case” after exhibiting signs and symptoms similar with the disease.
“While waiting for results of the investigation, we encourage the public to keep calm, be cautious, and to refrain from spreading unnecessary information,” the DOH said.—AAC (with reports from Janice Ingente)
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