MikeLigalig.com

June 23, 2013 5:24am


A four-year-old girl succumbed Friday afternoon to suspected meningococcemia in Bulan town in Sorsogon province in Bicol.

Health authorities in the province have taken precautions to protect the girl's family and neighbors, radio dzBB reported Sunday.

The report cited initial information from the Department of Health in Sorsogon indicating the girl was from Bical village in Bulan, and was admitted to a hospital Thursday.

At the time, she had been vomiting and had difficulty breathing, which were among the symptoms of meningococcemia.

Hospital staff took a blood sample from the patient for analysis.

The Department of Health said the infection can spread via direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat which contain the bacteria.

Bacteria that cause meningococcemia can spread via "close, direct physical contact and through coughing, and sneezing, kissing."

"In general, people should not share anything that has been in their mouth. Exposure to cigarette smoke increases the risk of spread of meningococci, as well as other bacteria," it said.

Also, the DOH advised washing hands frequently with soap and water and avoiding close contact with meningococcemia patients.

"Penicillin kills meningococcal bacteria that have invaded the body. Early recognition of meningococcal infection and prompt treatment with penicillin greatly improves chances of survival," it added. â€" ELR, GMA News

Kaluoy tawon.

Hala, kuyaw ra ba ning sakita...