The Department of Health (DOH) in Davao Region confirmed that a four-year-old boy in Davao City died of meningococcemia.
DOH regional director Annabelle Yumang said the patient was admitted to the Brokenshire Hospital in Davao City Friday morning and died in the afternoon of the same day.
The report said the DOH is in the process finding out information on places the victim visited and people he came in contact with.
Yumang said no symptoms have been seen in the boy’s family members, schoolmates, and teacher, as well as emergency room staff who attended to the patient.
Yumang assured that the situation is under control, and appealed to the public to be responsible when sharing information about the disease on social media.
The boy had cough, fever and vomited for few days before the family sought for medical help.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, sore throat, other respiratory symptoms, pinpoint rashes, which become wider and appear like bruises, severe skin lesions which may lead to gangrene, the report said.
The bacteria which causes meningococcemia is not easily transmitted. There has to be direct contact with nose and throat discharge from the infected person for someone to be at risk. It can also be spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, and by sharing of food, drink, and utensils.
Dr. Annabelle Yumang, regional director Department of Health- Davao Region (DOH-11)
also urged the public to be responsible in sharing information, especially on social media.
“Help us raise awareness about the info shared on meningococcemia and please think before you post or share,” she added.
