Local Health Experts Urge Parents to Act Swiftly against Rapidly Progressive Invasive Meningococcal Disease

In Photo: Round Table Discussion about the Invasive Meningococcal Disease featuring pediatric neurologist (left), Dr. Maria Lourdes Trajano, and Pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Mary Crist Jamora. Photo By: Jennifer P. Cuyajon // Correspondent FNS

Baguio City — Health experts are calling attention to the dangers of Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD), a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection¹ that previously caused an outbreak in the Cordillera region in late 2004 to 2005.² While no similar surge has occurred since, sporadic cases have continued to surface over the years—reminding the public that the threat of IMD has never fully disappeared.³

IMD can progress rapidly and become fatal within just 24 hours.¹ The Philippines has the highest meningococcal fatality rate in neighboring countries,⁴ with up to 1 in 2 patients not surviving.⁵ Survivors may suffer long-term complications such as hearing loss, learning delays, or physical disabilities that affect their ability to grow, learn, and live life to the fullest.⁶

Caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, IMD spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact.⁷ Once inside the body, it can lead to sepsis (blood poisoning) or meningitis (brain inflammation).⁸

“IMD is rare but progresses rapidly,”¹ said Dr. Maria Lourdes Trajano, a pediatric neurologist based in Baguio. “Symptoms like headache, sore throat, nausea, difficulty breathing, or irritability may seem mild at first,¹ but the disease can worsen quickly.¹ Without immediate medical attention, it can kill or cause lasting complications,”⁶ said Dr. Trajano.

Because of its onset of flu-like symptoms, parents may not immediately recognize that their child is in danger—until it’s too late.⁹

Serogroup B Emerges as the Leading Threat in the Philippines³

Among the thirteen serogroups of IMD, six—A, B, C, X, W, and Y—cause nearly all life-threatening cases globally.¹⁰ In the Philippines, Serogroup B is the predominant meningococcal group across all age groups from 2018 to 2023.³

“Serogroup B is now the group we see most often in lab tests from children with this disease,”⁷ said Dr. Mary Crist Jamora, a pediatric infectious disease specialist. She underscores the importance of early detection, noting, “That’s why it’s more important than ever for parents and doctors to recognize the signs and act quickly.”¹

Cordillera History with IMD

From 2004 to 2006, the Philippines reported 418 cases of Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) in the Cordillera region, with an alarming case fatality rate of 32%, equivalent to almost 134 deaths.¹¹ An additional 40 cases and 12 deaths were reported across other areas within the broader Cordillera administrative region during the same period.²

That outbreak was caused by Serogroup A,¹² but since 2018, Serogroup B has been the leading cause of IMD in the country.³

Early Detection and Prevention Are Crucial

Recognizing symptoms early and seeking immediate medical care are key to managing Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD), especially in infants and toddlers.¹ Dr. Jamora, emphasized that parents shouldn’t wait if something feels off about their children’s health.

“Moms know when something’s not right,” said Dr. Trajano. She emphasized the urgency of the matter, saying, “If your baby suddenly has flu-like symptoms, is vomiting, or seems unusually sleepy or irritable—don’t wait. Bring them to the doctor right away.^1,9 With IMD, every hour counts.”

Dr. Trajano and Dr. Jamora also stressed the importance of routine pediatric check-ups and full vaccination against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, Y and B. ^5,8

Additionally, Dr. Jamora advises parents to “Ask your child’s doctor if they are completely protected against IMD Serogroups A,C,W,Y and B^5,8. No parent ever wants to face a disease that could take their child’s future in just one day.” #