Public urged vs. irresponsible sharing of info to avoid panic

THE CITY Health Office has warned against irresponsible sharing of unconfirmed information after rumors of a meningococcima incident at the Brokenshire Hospital spread over the weekend.

In a statement released by the City Information Office, the CHO said there’s no data that confirmed it was a case of meningcoccemia.

“There are reports about a case of meningcoccemia involving a child in one hospital in Davao City,” the statement read. “However, there is no absolute data available now that confirms the child died of meningococcemia.”

“Blood samples were taken for examination and confirmatory tests.”

The hospital has strictly observed and conducted measures based on standard medical protocols to control possible infection and spread, the city government added.

“While waiting for results of the investigation, we encourage the public to keep calm, be cautious, and to refrain from spreading unnecessary information.”

The Brokenshire hospital, as early as Friday night, already debunked the rumor and added meningococcima cases are not airborne and would only affect those who have been exposed to the patient for prolonged periods.

Relatives of the patient have also been given proper preventive treatment, doctors at the hospital said.

The Department of Health, for its part, said it was already investigating the incident.

The DOH said it also gave post-exposure prophylaxis to close contacts of the patient, including family members, pupils from the pre-school where the deceased child was studying, and emergency room staff who attended to the patient.

“We are closely monitoring them for any signs and symptoms which include fever, vomiting, body rashes, and loose bowel movement,” the DOH said.

The DOH will also visit and monitor the school, as well as provide parents with information. TIMES received queries Friday night whether the incident circulating on social media was true.

As a policy, the newspaper does not release unconfirmed information until official statements or documents say otherwise.