Health experts are raising concerns over meningococcal disease in the Philippines, with Serogroup B as the leading cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and accounting for approximately 68% of cases over the recent years.1
Pediatric infectious disease specialists Dr. Lulu Bravo and Dr. Anna Ong-Lim emphasize that IMD poses a severe health risk, particularly if left untreated.[2] In the Philippines, one in every two (50%) of IMD case may result in death.[3] Young children are at the highest risk, and the disease can progress rapidly, often proving fatal within just 24 hours.3 Symptoms can escalate from nonspecific early signs to a critical state in a very short time frame.4
IMD is a life-threatening disease especially for young children3
IMD is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis commonly found in the nose and throat.[4] It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can also be transmitted through salivary exchange, such as sharing utensils or drinking from the same container.5
Dr. Anna Ong-Lim explains that “Symptoms of IMD typically include fever, headache, stiff neck, and nausea. As the infection progresses, individuals may develop a rash, sensitivity to light, and confusion.4 IMD manifests as either meningitis,[5] which causes inflammation around the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcal sepsis,6 where the bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to fever and rash.4 Both conditions require immediate medical attention, as IMD is a rapidly progressing,4 life-threatening illness with a high mortality rate if untreated.”3
The Neisseria meningitidis[5] being the most common causes of disease.7 A key concern with meningococcal bacteria is that different types are more[6] than others, and these patterns can change over time.8 More international travel to areas where certain types are widespread[7] can bring these rarer types into new places.9,[9],[10]
Serogroup B is the leading cause of meningococcal disease in the Philippines[11]
“In the Philippines, all laboratory-confirmed cases of IMD, including those linked to Serogroup B,[12] are monitored through the Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance Response (PIDSR) System”12 says Dr. Lulu Bravo. “Asymptomatic carriers—those who carry the bacteria without showing symptoms[13]— can spread the disease, underscoring the need for more data to strengthen prevention programs” warns Dr. Bravo. “By doing so, we can give more than half of young children who contract this disease a chance to avoid the life-altering effects of IMD,” she stresses.
Meningococcal diseases can be prevented
IMD can progress rapidly, often within hours. “IMD requires immediate medical attention, as it can quickly become a life-threatening illness with a high mortality rate if left untreated,”3 Dr. Ong-Lim adds. “Prevention is our best line of defense against the devastating effects of meningococcal disease.”
Vaccines targeting different meningococcal serogroups play a vital role in prevention. Conjugate vaccines are available for multiple serogroups, such as A, C, W, and Y. Meanwhile, Serogroup B, due to its distinct bacterial structure, requires a separate vaccine.[14]
Health experts strongly urge parents to consult with their healthcare providers on how to best protect their children against invasive meningococcal disease. Understanding the risks, symptoms, and prevention options can be lifesaving. Ask your healthcare provider about how you can safeguard young children who are at higher risk against this serious and fast-acting disease.
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[1] The graph was independently created by GSK from the original data. National Reference Laboratory for Invasive Vaccine-Preventable Bacterial Diseases – Research Institute for Tropical Medicine as presented at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center Postgraduate Course, September 17, 2024
[2] Rosenstein, N. E., Perkins, B. A., Popovic , T., & Hughes, J. M. (n.d.). Meningococcal disease. The New England journal of medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11333996/
[3] Thompson, M., Ninis, N., Perera, R., Mayon-White, R., Phillips, C., Bailey, L., Harnden, A., Mant, D., & Levin, M. (n.d.). Clinical recognition of meningococcal disease in children and adolescents. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16458763/
[4] Kimberline, D., Long, S., Brady, M., & Jackson, M. (n.d.). Red Book 2018: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases [31 ed.] 1610021460, 9781610021463. Retrieved from https://dokumen.pub/red-book-2018-report-of-the-committee-on-infectious-diseases-31nbsped-1610021460-9781610021463.html
[5] Invasive meningococcal disease – annual epidemiological report for 2015. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2017, November). Retrieved from https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/invasive-meningococcal-disease-annual-epidemiological-report-2015
[6] World Health Organization. (2023, April). Meningitis. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningitis
[7] Harrison, L., Trotter, C., & Ramsay, M. (2009, May). Global epidemiology of meningococcal disease. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19477562/
[8] Wilder-Smith, A. (2009, May). Meningococcal vaccine in travelers. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19477562/
[9] Sáfadi, M. A. (2013). Epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease. Epidemiology and Infection, 141, 447–458.
[10] Davidesen, T., & Tonjum, T. (2006, January). Meningococcal genome dynamics. Nature Reviews Microbiology. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro1324
[11] Aye, A., Bai, X., Borrow, R., Veeraraghan, B., Yazil, S., Zhui, B., Dai, V., Dinleyici, E.. Ghimere, P., Handryastuti, S., Heo, J., Jennison, A., Kamiya, H., Sia, L., Lucidarme, J., Marshall, H., Putri, N., Saha, S., Shao, Z., Sim, J., Smith, V., Taha, M., Thanh, P., Thisyakorn, U., Thsering, K., Vazquez, J., Veeraraghavan, B., Yezil, S., & Zhu, B., (2020, November). Meningococcal disease surveillance in the Asia–Pacific region (2020): The global meningococcal initiative. Journal of Infection. Retrived from https://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(20)30506-5/fulltext
[12] 2021-PCHRD-annual-REPORT.pdf. (n.d.-a). Retrieved from https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2021-PCHRD-ANNUAL-REPORT.pdf
[13] Gonzales, M. L. A., Bianco, V., & Vyse, A. (2017, January). Meningococcal carriage in children and Young Adults in the Philippines: A Single Group, cross-sectional study. Epidemiology and infection. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9507336/
