The Health Promotion Bureau today said that around 200 meningitis cases have been reported from several parts of the country, with nearly 50 patients currently receiving treatment in hospitals across four districts.
Speaking at a media briefing today, Community Health Specialist Dr. Thushani Dabarera said the disease was first identified among a group of schoolchildren in the Deniyaya area before spreading to areas including Diyatalawa, Welimada and Rikillagaskada.
She said health authorities have already issued special guidelines to all health sectors and institutions to prevent the disease from spreading further within schools and communities.
Dr. Dabarera noted that although there has been a slight reduction in the number of cases, there remains a risk of further transmission during the upcoming rainy season.
She urged the public to strictly follow health advice and preventive measures.
According to the Epidemiology Unit, the main symptoms of the disease include high fever, headache and vomiting, with symptoms usually appearing between three to seven days after exposure to the virus.
Health officials said most patients recover within seven days if proper medical advice and hygiene practices are followed.
Authorities said the disease mainly spreads through contaminated food and water, while it can also be transmitted through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact.
The public has been advised to drink boiled water and avoid crowded places where infected individuals may be present.
Dr. Dabarera also called on parents to seek immediate medical attention if children show symptoms and urged them not to send sick children to school until they have fully recovered.
(Dailymirror.lk)
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