Ministry of Health Identifies Surge in Meningitis Across Several Districts

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Ministry of Health says that the illnesses, including fever, reported from several parts of the island have been identified as Meningitis.

Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Specialist Dr Anil Jasinghe, says that laboratory tests conducted on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples confirmed the disease. 

The majority of the reported patients have been identified as children.

Symptoms of Meningitis include fever, headaches, vomiting and nausea, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to sunlight.

Dr Anil Jasinghe further noted that the disease can spread through close contact, contaminated drinking water, and physical contact.

More than 100 patients have been identified from Deniyaya, Diyatalawa, Kurunegala, and Kandy. 

The Secretary to the Ministry of Health also urged the public not to panic unnecessarily. 

He advised the public to take preventive measures such as drinking boiled water, wearing face masks, and avoiding crowded places.