Embassy of the United States of America, Manila
Warden Notice
November 23,2004

THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE EMBASSY WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD. THANK YOU.

OUTBREAK OF MENINGITIS IN BAGUIO

The following information was distributed to members of the U.S. Mission on November 23, 2004, by the Embassy's Regional Medical Office. We are distributing the information to U.S. citizens in the Philippines in the interest of making the same information available to the U.S. citizen public that is available to members of the U.S. Mission and their families.

There is currently an outbreak of bacterial meningitis in and around Baguio. There has been one case of bacterial meningitis in the northern part of Manila, although it is not related to the cases in Baguio. This type of meningitis is caused by a strain of the bacteria Neisseria meningitis, and is also called meningococcal meningitis. The bacteria can be present in the nasal passageways and throats of asymptomatic carriers who may spread the disease to susceptible persons through infected droplet secretions (sneezing and coughing). It can cause upper respiratory tract type symptoms, pneumonia, or meningitis. The incubation period from exposure to illness is 2-10 days, with the average being 3-4 days. After the onset of symptoms such as high fever, headache, stiff neck, rash, muscle aches and upper respiratory symptoms, the disease may progress rapidly to coma or death in as little as 24 hours.

Conditions of overcrowding and close contact favor the spread of the disease, and certain immune disorders also favor the development of disease (newborns, any one who is immunosuppressed). There is a vaccine available for the condition, which is very effective, but takes 7-10 days to become protective. Persons known to be exposed to the disease may be given a simple antibiotic regimen to prevent the disease. The most effective preventative is simple avoidance of areas in which the disease is endemic. There is a shortage of vaccine available in Manila. At this time we are recommending the vaccine for anyone living or going to school in the Baguio region, or for anyone who must travel to Baguio. If there is a known exposure, the antibiotic prophylaxis (preventative) is recommended. The prophylaxis is given to persons who have had intimate contact with the patient-household members, sexual partners, or certain hospital personnel.

Again, the most effective preventative is to avoid going to areas in which the disease is endemic. If travel is unavoidable, contact your local health authority or physician for more information.