Due to suspected meningococcemia case, ER of Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center closed

The Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center was temporarily closed Monday through Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., for disinfection, according to the Manila Public Information Office.

According to the local government, the area will first undergo “terminal cleaning and disinfection” after the death of a patient suspected of having meningococcemia.

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“The Emergency Room (ER) of Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center (GABMMC) will be closed until 8:00 AM tomorrow, March 23,” the local government said in a statement Monday.

“This is to make way for the ER’s terminal cleaning and disinfection due to a suspected Meningococcemia case who died earlier in the said area.”

According to Healthline, it is a “rare infection caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, the same type of bacteria that can cause meningitis.”

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WHO said, “the bacteria are transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers. Smoking, close and prolonged contact – such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, or living in close quarters with a carrier – facilitates the spread of the disease.”

 outbreak is only declared if its occurrence is more than what would generally be expected in a defined community, geographical area, or season.

What are the first signs of meningococcemia?

  • A reddish or purple skin rash
  • General poor feeling
  • Severe, persistent headache
  • Sudden high fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Discomfort in bright lights
  • Neck stiffness
  • Joint pain
  • Confusion or other mental changes
  • Drowsiness or difficulty awakening

How do you get the meningococcal disease?

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WHO said, “the bacteria are transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers. Smoking, close and prolonged contact – such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, or living in close quarters with a carrier – facilitates the spread of the disease.”

In fatal cases, meningitis can kill within 4 , especially with babies and toddlers.

How to treat meningococcemia?

The most crucial treatment for meningococcemia is early intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Also DOH says no meningococcemia outbreak