Health experts warn public of rare but deadly bacterial infection

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PEDIATRIC experts are raising the alarm over Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD), a rare but aggressive bacterial infection that can kill within 24 hours, particularly in young children.

During a recent media roundtable organized by a global biopharmaceutical company in Cebu City, pediatric neurologist Dr. Jo Janette de la Calzada and infectious disease specialist Dr. Jonathan Go Lim stressed the need for early detection and prevention.

De la Calzada explained that Neisseria meningitidis, the bacteria that causes IMD, spreads through close contact or respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing.

Once it enters the body, the infection can result in meningitis, which affects the brain, or meningococcemia, an infection in the bloodstream.

She said the disease often begins with flu-like symptoms but can rapidly progress to a critical condition, making early diagnosis difficult.

Initial signs include fever, headache, sore throat, and respiratory symptoms.

As the infection worsens, patients may become lethargic, experience convulsions, and develop rashes.

De la Calzada said rashes linked to meningococcemia are larger and more severe, often appearing alongside poor vital signs.

She also warned that even survivors of IMD may face long-term health issues, including hearing loss, kidney failure, seizures, learning disabilities, motor impairment, and psychological or behavioral challenges.

The Philippines currently records the highest fatality rate for IMD in Asia.

De la Calzada said half of all patients in the country die from the disease, compared to 35 percent in Vietnam and 37.5 percent in Thailand. Infants between five and six months old are the most at risk.

Lim noted that in 2021, Cebu reported 14 confirmed cases, the second-highest in the country after the National Capital Region, which had 21.

Calabarzon and Central Luzon followed with 13 and 11 cases, respectively.

He added that serogroup B is now the dominant strain in the Philippines, accounting for 68 percent of cases recorded from 2018 to 2023, based on blood and cerebrospinal fluid surveillance tests.

“Serogroup B has been the most reported group in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PCR surveillance tests,” Lim said.

“This shift makes it more important than ever for parents and healthcare providers to recognize the disease and act swiftly," he added.

Lim urged parents to act quickly at the first signs of illness and consult a doctor without delay.

He also recommended practicing good hygiene and avoiding the sharing of personal items such as utensils and toothbrushes.

Vaccines are available to protect against the six major serogroups, including a separate vaccine for serogroup B. However, these are currently offered only in private healthcare facilities.

Lim and de la Calzada called on the government to eventually include IMD vaccines in the national immunization program to make them more accessible.

“Awareness is important. This is probably the first step,” said de la Calzada.

“If we are aware that there’s this disease, then you know what to do next," she added.

With over 49,000 births recorded in Cebu Province last year, health professionals reminded parents that young children, especially infants, are at the highest risk and should receive immediate medical attention when symptoms appear.(MyTVCebu)