Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 23) — The emergency room of Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Hospital in Tondo, Manila remains temporarily closed on Wednesday due to a suspected case of meningococcemia.

Initial findings revealed that a 55-year-old patient from Santa Ana, Manila showed symptoms of meninggococemia, such as fever and rashes. The patient was immediately referred to an infectious doctor.

The hospital's senior officer, Dr. Rolan Mendiola, said the closure of the emergency room is part of hospital protocol and disinfection procedure.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said all precautionary measures is being implemented to prevent any risk of spread of infection. He added the hospital hopes to resume emergency room operations by Thursday.

Earlier this month, the Department of Health said there is no meningococcemia outbreak nationwide.

What is meningococcemia?

Meningococcemia is a disease caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which is common in the environment. However, the bacteria multiplies and triggers detrimental effects once the immunity of the body weakens. Once the bacteria spreads it could affect the blood or even lead to meningitis which could infect the brain.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said meningococcemia is a transmissible disease, meaning a person in contact with the patient's bodily fluids can be infected.

The symptoms of meningococcemia can first appear as a flu-like illness and rapidly worsen. Its symptoms include fever; fatigue; vomiting; cold chills; severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen; diarrhea; and a dark purple rash in the later stage.

"'Yung meningococcemia, talagang mataas na mataas ang lagnat at nagkakaroon ng pantal na later kumakalat, so kung may ganitong signs magpatingin na po kaagad sa hospital o sa ating mga clinics para macheck-up," Domingo said.

[Translation: The meningococcemia causes very high fever and spreads rashes so once you see these signs have yourself checked at a hospital or clinic.]

Around 200 cases of meningococcemia are recorded in the Philippines every year.