UP Diliman infirmary shuts down ER due to suspected meningococcemia case
MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines, Diliman Health Service is taking measures due to a death of a patient, suspected of having had meningococcemia, in the hospital.
UP Health Service Acting Director Jesus Catabui issued a health advisory on Friday saying that it is temporarily moving its emergency room to VLP Room 3 to allow 48 hours of UV light disinfection.
UP Diliman’s University Health Service in Quezon City temporarily moves its emergency room due to a possible case of meningococcia. | @jvrmateoSTAR pic.twitter.com/JNDuM8fUX9
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) March 22, 2019
Catabui, however, stressed that the patient who died on Thursday, March 21, is not a confirmed case of meningococcemia. The signs of septic shock and the rapid deterioration of the patient “may lead us to consider the possibility of meningococcemia.”
Meningococcemia is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitis. Common early symptoms include fever, headache, rash consisting of small spots, nausea, irritability and anxiety.
At least 200 cases of meningococcemia are recorded annually in the Philippines, according to the Department of Health.
Meningococcemia has 40 percent fatality rate, even with timely administration of antibiotics and close intensive monitoring, the advisory from the university hospital also read.
It can be transmitted through inhalation of respiratory secretions of the person affected, but frequent hand washing with soap or ethanol-based sanitizer, as well as observation of respiratory etiquette—such as proper disposable of used tissue and covering cough and sneezes with elbow—could help prevent the spread of the sickness.
The hospital director also said that it has already informed the Quezon City Health Office of the case and that it has received permission to release the body of the deceased to his or her family.
“[A]ppropriate prophylactic medications have been given to the hospital staff who has directly participated in the resuscitative measures done to the patient,” Catabui assured.
He also stressed that University Health Service remains safe for those who wish to consult and the ER operations would be back to its former location on Saturday, March 23. — Kristine Joy Patag with report from The STAR/Janvic Mateo
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