BAGUIO CITY – Experts warn that Serogroup B of the Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD), now the country’s dominant strain, poses a threat to children’s health.
On June 13, two medical professionals, pediatric neurologist Dr. Maria Lourdes Trajano and pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Mary Crist Jamora, discussed the rapid progression of IMD caused by the new dominant serogroup.
The program aims to remind the public of the persistent threat of IMD caused by Serogroup B, dominating 68% of reported IMD cases in the country since 2018. The program also recounts a previous outbreak spanning 2004 to 2006 wherein 458 cases were reported in the Cordillera Administrative Region. More than a hundred people lost their lives to the deadly disease which was caused by then predominant Serogroup A.
Even with cases currently low, both doctors express that they do not want another outbreak to happen, especially with the nature of the disease’s progression. Until now, serogroup B remains the leading cause of IMD cases in the Philippines as is the same in neighbouring Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan.
IMD initially presents itself with flu-like symptoms, which can easily be put off by parents and caregivers. Gradually, patients may also show headache, sore throat, nausea, breathing difficulties, and irritability.
Trajano points out one distinct telltale sign of IMD. A dark purplish rash can be observed spreading to other parts of the body within a few hours. “What is really distinct about this is karamihan sa kanila, nagde-develop ng isang rash – isang tuldok lang. And in just four hours, kumalat na yung rashes. So ganun kabilis kapag severe,” Trajano says.
Infants have the highest number of reported cases of IMD, followed by adolescents. Laboratory and military personnel, people with low immune systems and co-morbidities, tobacco smokers, and travelers are also on the list for high-risk individuals, making them ones who could benefit the most from vaccination.
IMD is transmitted through respiratory droplets via coughing, sneezing, or close contact. Once inside the body, sepsis (blood poisoning) and meningitis (brain inflammation) may develop. These two conditions are the manifestations of the infection and require immediate medical attention.
Both doctors warn that even with treatment, the disease can still be fatal. From past experiences, Trajano stated that Baguio City outbreak cases weren’t able to reach the expected 24-hour mark. “There was rapid progression in just four hours. Even with treatment, pwede pa rin silang mamatay.” The incubation period of the disease can span from one to ten days, but once the damage is severe, chances of survival become low.
Children who were able to survive the disease emerge either normal and healthy or with life-long disability. Some may also continue to carry the bacteria without symptoms, potentially spreading it to others. Survivors might deal with motor deficits, hearing loss, seizures, anxiety, amputation, and renal failure for the rest of their lives.
Treatment for children typically involves two steps: antibiotic therapy and medications to support the heart and lung function. However, with the rapid progression of the disease, 50% of patients may still die. Jamora reiterates, “Even if you recognize the disease as early as possible, it doesn’t mean that you can save the child.”
Healthcare professionals cannot stress enough the importance of routine pediatric check-ups and complete vaccination against meningococcal serogroups, such as Men B and Men ACWY, to prevent or lessen the devastating effects the disease brings, especially in young children.
While doctors can act quickly, it’s often awareness from parents and caregivers that makes the difference. Being able to recognize warning signs and take preventive measures could mean the difference between a full life and one tragically cut short. By Aiyra Marzan
